System and method for constructing a set or a stage

ABSTRACT

A wall module assembly usable to make interchangeable scenery, the module comprising a first support member having a first end, a second end, a first main surface, and a second main surface, a second support member having a first end, a second end, a first main surface, and a second main surface, a plurality of panel members interchangeably and removably supported by at least one of the first support member and the second support member, adjacent at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface of the first and/or second support member, and a plurality of connection members supported by the first end of the first support member and configured to be removably received within openings formed in the second end of the second support member positioned adjacent to the first support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyunder 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sets and/or stages,such as in a theater, film or television production, and moreparticularly, to interchangeable set and/or stage scenery elementsequipped for quick and inexpensive reuse and reorganization.

Description of the Related Art

In a typical set and/or stage (collectively referred to herein as astage for simplicity) construction, numerous specific stage elementssuch as doors, windows and walls are provided. Each element is typicallyused for a single purpose and is difficult to move and set up. Forexample, separate wall elements must be created and moved for masonrywalls, wood walls and plaster walls. It is time consuming and expensiveto create, set up and break down elaborate set elements.

Once put together, the set elements are often joined together to form aunified structure. The structure is typically kept together and moved asa unit in and out of a theater or stage which is time consuming andexpensive. Moreover, the use of a unified set structure that is moved asa unit typically requires specialized moving equipment as well as alarge facility for storing the structure when it is not being used.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method forconstructing stage scenery.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an interchangeable kitusable to make interchangeable scenery that remedies the shortcomings ofthe prior art. The kit, according to an embodiment, can have a pluralityof wall units, including at least a first wall unit and a second wallunit. Each of the first wall unit and the second wall unit can have afirst face painted, textured or covered to simulate a first surface; asecond face painted, textured or covered to simulate a second surface,the second surface being different than the first surface; and aplurality of first connector elements. The kit also can have at leastone aperture unit having a first face painted, textured or covered tosimulate a first door or window, or having an operable first door orwindow; a second face painted, textured or covered to simulate a seconddoor or window, or having an operable second door or window, the seconddoor or window being different than the first door or window and aplurality of second connector elements. A given connector element in thefirst plurality of connector elements can be configured to connect agiven wall unit to at least one other wall unit or aperture unit, and agiven connector element in the second plurality of connector elementscan be configured to connect a given aperture unit to at least one otheraperture or wall unit.

The first face of at least one wall unit can be painted, textured orcovered to simulate an interior surface and the second face of the wallunit can be painted, textured or covered to simulate an exteriorsurface. The first face of the aperture unit can be painted, textured orcovered to simulate an interior window or door and the second face ofthe aperture unit can be painted, textured or covered to simulate anexterior window or door. Optionally, the first face of the plurality ofwall units can be painted, textured or covered to simulate at least oneof the group consisting of wood, brick, stucco, plaster and wallpaper.Optionally, the aperture unit can be configurable as at least two of thegroup consisting of a single hinged door, double hinged doors, a slidingdoor, a pocket door and elevator doors.

Additionally, the aperture unit can be configured to store multipledoors or windows of different types within a receiving area between afirst wall of the aperture unit and a second wall of the aperture unit.In an additional embodiment, at least one of the first face and thesecond face of each of the plurality of wall units further comprises aplurality of fasteners for attaching a panel to the wall unit; and thekit can have at least one panel coupleable to at least one wall unit. Inanother embodiment, at least one of the first face and the second faceof each of the plurality of wall units can have a plurality of reliefpieces for attaching an insert to the wall unit; and wherein the kit canhave at least one insert coupleable to at least one wall unit.

In an additional embodiment, there can be hooks on at least one of a topand a bottom of each wall unit and on at least one of a top and a bottomof the door and window unit, the hooks being strong enough to allow forthe wall unit and the door and window unit to be picked up by the hooks.In another embodiment, there can be spindle holes in at least one of atop and a bottom of each wall unit and in at least one of a top and abottom of the door and window unit. The spindle holes can be configuredfor the insertion of a spindle such that each of the plurality of wallunits and the door and window unit can be rotatable to change theorientation of the first face and the second face. Optionally, each ofthe plurality of wall units and the aperture unit can be prewired forattaching lights. Further, the wall modules or wall units can have oneor more stubs on an upper surface therefor to support lights. Forexample, the lights may be equipped with clamps or the like which may beclamped on to or otherwise removably attached to the stubs. The lightscan be used for decoration purposes or can be used simply to illuminatea space defined by the wall modules and/or wall units, and/or the wallmodules and/or wall units. For example, the lights may be used toilluminate actors in a set defined by the wall modules and/or wallunits.

In an additional embodiment, the kit also can have a plurality of floorunits, each floor unit having a first face with a first design; a secondface with a second design thereon, the second design being differentthan the first design; and a plurality of connector slots. Connectorscan be removably slidable in the connector slots to removably couple theplurality of floor units together. Optionally, at least one of the firstface and the second face of the floor units can be painted, colored ortextured to simulate at least one of the group consisting of marble,stone, brick, cement, asphalt, wood plank, tile and linoleum.

In an embodiment, the first plurality of connector elements and thesecond plurality of connector elements comprise connector slotsconfigured to removably receive connector devices to removably couplethe plurality of wall units and the at least one aperture unit.Optionally, the first plurality of connector elements and the secondplurality of connector elements comprise snaps. Additionally, at least aportion of the first connector elements and the second connectorelements can comprise magnets. Optionally, at least one wall unit canhave a green screen. In an additional embodiment of the presentdisclosure, at least one of the first wall unit and the second wall unitfurther comprises a third face painted, textured or covered to simulatea third surface, the third surface being different than the firstsurface and the second surface.

In an additional embodiment, the kit further comprises at least onestair unit, the stair unit having a lower base; a plurality of stairscoupled to each other, at least one stair being coupled to the lowerbase; and an upper base coupled to at least one of the stairs. At leastone of the lower base and the upper base further comprise a plurality ofconnector elements. Optionally, the kit also can have at least onelanding unit coupleable to the upper base of the stair unit.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a methodfor interchangeably constructing a stage. The method, according to anembodiment, can have the steps of: providing a kit having a plurality ofwall units, each wall unit having: a first face painted, textured orcovered to simulate a first surface; a second face painted, textured orcovered to simulate a second surface, the second surface being differentthan the first surface; and a plurality of connector slots; at least oneaperture unit comprising: a first face painted, textured or covered tosimulate a first door or window; a second face painted, textured orcovered to simulate a second door or window, the second door or windowbeing different than the first door or window; and a plurality ofconnector slots; and a plurality of connectors removably mountable inthe wall unit connector slots and the aperture unit connector slots toremovably couple the plurality of wall units and the at least oneaperture unit. The method further includes the steps of coupling atleast two of the plurality of wall units to each other using theconnectors; and coupling the window and door unit to at least one of thewall units using the connectors.

In an additional embodiment, a bottom of each wall unit can have aspindle hole and the method further includes the steps of: mounting atleast one wall unit on a spindle; rotating the wall unit to change theorientation of the wall unit; and removing the at least one wall unitfrom the spindle. Optionally, the kit further comprises a plurality offloor units each floor unit having: a first face having a first designthereon; a second face having a second design thereon, the second designbeing different than the first design; and a plurality of connectorslots; and wherein the method further comprises: placing the pluralityof floor units proximal to the plurality of wall units and the windowand door unit; and removably connecting the plurality of floor units toeach other. Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of:uncoupling the floor units from each other; turning over a plurality ofthe floor units; and re-coupling the floor units to each other.

In an additional embodiment, the kit further comprises at least onestair unit and at least one landing unit; and the method furthercomprises: positioning the at least one stair unit proximal to at leastone wall unit; and connecting the at least one landing unit to the stairunit.

An additional embodiment is directed to an interchangeable stage kithaving a plurality of wall units, each wall unit further having: a firstface painted, textured or covered to simulate a first surface; a secondface painted, textured or covered to simulate a second surface, thesecond surface being different than the first surface; and a pluralityof connector slots. The kit also can have a plurality of aperture units,each aperture unit having: a first face painted, textured or covered tosimulate a first door or window; a second face painted, textured orcovered to simulate a second door or window, the second door or windowbeing different than the first door or window; and a plurality ofconnector slots.

The kit also can have a plurality of floor units, each floor unitfurther comprising: a first face having a first design thereon; a secondface having a second design thereon, the second design being differentthan the first design; and a plurality of connector slots. The kit alsocan have a plurality of connectors removably mountable in the wall unitconnector slots, the aperture unit connector slots and the floor unitconnector slots to removably couple the plurality of wall units, the atleast one aperture unit and the floor units. In an additionalembodiment, the kit also can have at least one stair unit, the stairunit having: a lower base; a plurality of stairs coupled to each other,at least one stair being coupled to the lower base; and an upper basecoupled to at least one of the stairs; wherein the lower base and theupper base further comprise a plurality of connector slots.

Any of the features, components, or details of any of the arrangementsor embodiments disclosed in this application, including those summarizedabove and those described in greater detail below, can beinterchangeably combinable with any other features, components, ordetails of any of the arrangements or embodiments disclosed herein toform new arrangements and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described hereinafter,by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing of a wall unit according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a schematic drawing of the wall unit of FIG. 1A turned overand around;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a spindle and forklift attachmentusable with the wall unit of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of an enlarged view of a connector slot ofthe wall unit of FIG. 1A and a connector configured for use with theconnector slot;

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a door unit according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a schematic drawing of a floor unit according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a schematic drawing of the floor unit of FIG. 5A turned over;

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a stair unit according to an embodimentof the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stair unit of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate additional embodiments of a wall moduleof varying size and configurations.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, are a top view, front view, side view, andisometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the wall moduleillustrated in FIG. 8C.

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wallmodule illustrated in FIG. 8C.

FIGS. 14A-14B are isometric views of additional embodiments of the wallmodule.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a cap member that can be supported on atop surface of any of the support members disclosed herein.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are isometric views of a front and a rear side,respectively, of a first assembled wall structure and a second assembledwall structure, that can be interconnected.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C illustrate additional embodiments of a wallmodule of varying size and configurations.

FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22, are a top view, front view, side view, andisometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the wall moduleillustrated in FIG. 18C.

FIG. 23 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wallmodule illustrated in FIG. 18C.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the wall module.

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a cap member that can be supported on atop surface of any of the support members disclosed herein.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are isometric views of a front and a rear side,respectively, of a first assembled wall structure and a second assembledwall structure, that can be interconnected.

FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate additional embodiments of a wall module ofvarying size and configurations.

FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32, are a top view, front view, side view, andisometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the wall moduleillustrated in FIG. 28B.

FIG. 33 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wallmodule illustrated in FIG. 28B.

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge member.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are isometric views of a front and a rear side,respectively, of a first assembled wall structure and a second assembledwall structure, that can be interconnected.

FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C illustrate additional embodiments of a wallmodule of varying sizes and configurations.

FIGS. 38, 39, 40, and 41, are a top view, front view, side view, andisometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the wall moduleillustrated in FIG. 37C.

FIGS. 42, 43, 44, and 45, are a top view, front view, side view, andisometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the support member ofthe wall module embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37C.

FIG. 46 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wallmodule illustrated in FIG. 37C.

FIGS. 47-51 are isometric views of additional embodiments of a wallmodule.

FIG. 52 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a cap member that canbe supported on a top surface of any of the support member embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 53 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a first assembled wallstructure and a second assembled wall structure that can beinterconnected using the one or more embodiments of the rotation modulesdisclosed herein.

FIG. 54 is an isometric view of a backside of an embodiment of a firstassembled wall structure and a second assembled wall structure that canbe interconnected using the one or more embodiments of the rotationmodules disclosed herein.

FIG. 55 illustrates an additional embodiment of a wall module.

FIGS. 56, 57, 58, and 59, are a top view, front view, side view, andisometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the wall moduleillustrated in FIG. 55.

FIG. 60 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wallmodule illustrated in FIG. 55.

FIG. 61 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of the support member,including a plurality of connector members, illustrated in FIG. 55.

FIGS. 62 and 63 illustrate several of the wall modules of FIG. 55interconnected to define an opening configured to receive a windowmodule.

FIG. 64A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a window module.

FIG. 64B shows an exploded view of the window module of FIG. 64A.

FIG. 65 shows a planar view of the window module of FIG. 64A.

FIG. 66 shows a side view of the window module of FIG. 64A.

FIG. 67A and 67B show a perspective view and a side view of oneembodiment of an internal support member for the window module of FIG.64A.

FIG. 68 shows a planar view of one embodiment of a window frame panelfor the window module of FIG. 64A.

FIGS. 69-70 show a schematic perspective and planar view, respectively,of several of the wall modules interconnected to define an openingconfigured to receive a door.

FIG. 71 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector forwall modules.

FIG. 72 is a top view of the connector of FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 71.

FIG. 74 is a bottom view of the connector of FIG. 71.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustment memberfor use with wall modules.

FIG. 76 is a perspective exploded view of adjustment members of FIG. 75attached to a wall module.

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustment memberfor use with wall modules.

FIGS. 78-80 show an embodiment of a connector for wall modules.

FIG. 81 shows an assembled wall module assembly.

FIG. 82 shows the wall module assembly of FIG. 86 with the wall modulesdisconnected from each other.

FIG. 83 shows an exploded view of a leveling assembly.

FIG. 84 shows the leveling plate assembly of FIG. 83 with a bladder.

FIG. 85 shows the leveling plate assembly of FIG. 84 with a connectordisposed over the bladder.

FIG. 86 shows a bottom of a wall module with the leveling assemblyattached to the wall module.

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hinge member.

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shim member.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a collar member.

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector blockthat defines a hinge connection.

FIG. 91 is a perspective view of wall modules coupled together with ahinge member or shim member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of illustration,specific embodiments which may be practiced. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or like parts. It is to be understood that other embodiments can beutilized and structural and functional changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Some embodiments are directed to a system and method for constructing aset that utilizes modular components, such as modular wall units, doorunits, flooring units and stair units. A modular wall unit 10 accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.The wall unit 10 can be used for creating an interior or exterior wall.The wall unit can have a first face 12 and a second face 14. In anyembodiments disclosed herein, a first face and/or a second face of awall module or unit (such as, without limitation, the first face 12and/or the second face 14 of the modular wall unit 10) can be painted,textured or covered to simulate a surface, for example wood, brick,stucco, plaster or wallpaper.

In any embodiments disclosed herein, a first face and/or a second face(such as, without limitation, the first face 12 and/or the second face14 of the modular wall unit 10) can have a plurality of fasteners 16,such as for example rivets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, anyother suitable removable or non-removable fasteners, and/or anycombination of the foregoing for attaching panels 18 to the face. Thepanels can simulate a surface such as wood, brick, stucco, plaster orwallpaper and can be, for example, painted or pre-printed. Additionally,one or both faces can have a plurality of relief pieces 20 for holdingan insert 22, such as a fabric piece to simulate a wall material.

Additionally, any wall units embodiments disclosed herein, includingwithout limitation the wall unit 10, can have fasteners, such asriggable hooks 24, for allowing the modular wall to be lifted in and outof location, such as by a crane or a forklift. Alternatively, instead ofhooks, magnets, tethers, or any other coupling devices can be used forallowing the wall unit 10 to be lifted in and out of location.Additionally, any wall unit embodiments disclosed herein, includingwithout limitation, the wall unit 10, can have a spindle hole 26 in thetop 25 or a bottom for fitting of a spindle 27 such as shown in FIG. 2.

The spindle 27 can be mounted on a studio floor or on a forklift using aforklift assembly 28 and rotatably fit within a spindle hole of any ofthe wall units disclosed herein for allowing the wall unit 10 to berotated on the spindle to change viewing from the first face 12 to thesecond face 25 or from the second face 14 to the first face 12. In anyembodiments, the wall unit 10 can be raised using riggable hooks 24,positioned on spindle 27, rotated 180 degrees until facing the oppositedirection, lifted off of the spindle using the riggable hooks 24, thespindle 27 removed and the wall unit 10 placed back down.

In any embodiments, one face of the wall unit 10 can be configured as aninterior wall and the other face of the wall unit 10 configured as anexterior wall. The wall unit 10 can be covered with a slipcover tosimulate a surface, for example wood, brick, stucco, plaster orwallpaper. The wall unit of any embodiment disclosed herein can bepainted or covered to have the appearance of three-dimensionalarchitectural features, such as columns and bookcases on at least oneside. In an additional embodiment, one side of the wall unit can bepainted or covered as a green screen for use in virtual sets. In anembodiment, the wall unit 10 can be prewired for attaching lights orother fixtures to the wall unit 10.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3, each of the wall unitscan have a plurality of connector slots 32 for coupling wall panels toeach other, such as for creating differently sized wall assemblies, andfor attaching the wall panels to other components. The use of connectorslots 32 with connectors 33 that slidably engage in the connector slotsallows for quick joining of wall panels to each other and to othercomponents without the use of specialized tools. When not in use, ifnecessary, plugs can be placed in the connector holes to hide theconnector holes. Connectors can be created for joining adjacentcomponents in a plane, such as the connector shown in FIG. 3, or at anangle, such as about ninety-degrees to form a corner. Alternatively,other coupling devices and fasteners such as magnets, brackets or snapscan be used for joining wall units 10 to each other and to othercomponents.

The wall units 10 can be configured as flat or curved pieces; the use ofcurved wall units of different radii allows for the creation of curvedstructures, such as turrets. When not in use, the wall units 10 can bestacked and moved, for example, on pallets or in standard containers.This saves storage space and eases crating and shipping. In someembodiments, the structure of the wall units 10 can be made to be weightbearing, sturdy and safe. In any embodiments disclosed herein, theinternal structure (including any of the support members disclosedbelow) of any wall unit embodiments disclosed herein can be made fromone or more of, for example, wood (e.g., medium-density fibreboard(MDF)), plastic or other composite material (e.g., plastic laminatedMDF), fiberglass, aluminum, steel, and any combination thereof. Thefaces or panels of any wall units can be made with any suitable coveringmaterial and can be made with at least one of, for example, wood, MDF,pressboard or particle board, aluminum, steel, glass, plastic, andmulti-vinyl castings.

An aperture unit 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosureis shown in FIG. 3. The aperture unit can be used for creating aninterior or exterior door or window. The aperture unit can have a firstface 42 and a second face 44. The first face 42 and/or the second face44 can be painted, textured or covered to simulate a surface, such asfor example wood, brick, stucco, plaster or wallpaper. In an embodiment,the first face 42 can be configured as an interior surface and thesecond face 44 can be configured as an outside surface. In an additionalembodiment, the first face 42 or the second face 44 can be painted orcovered as a green screen for use in virtual sets.

The first face 42 or the second face 44 of any embodiments disclosedherein can have a plurality of fasteners 46, such as for example rivets,snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, and/or any combination of theforegoing, for attaching panels 48 to the face. The panels 48 cansimulate a surface such as wood, brick, stucco, plaster or wallpaper.Additionally, the panels can simulate an architectural feature such asdifferent types of doors or windows. The panels can be, for example,painted or pre-printed. The aperture unit can have functional doors andwindows that can open and close. The aperture unit 40 can be used tosimulate, for example, plastic (such as polyvinyl chloride or vinyl)windows, aluminum windows, wood windows, interior doors with panelinserts and exterior doors with panel inserts. Likewise, the apertureunit 40 can be used to simulate, for example, hinged or sliding doors,pocket doors, dutch doors, elevators and closets.

The front and back of the functional doors and windows can be differenttypes or the same type. Also, for a given door, each side of the doorcan appear to be an exterior door with different styles, each side ofthe door can appear to be an interior door with different styles, or oneside of the door can appear to be an exterior door with one style, andthe other side of the door can appear to be an interior door with adifferent style.

Additionally, the first face 42 and the second face 44 can have aplurality of relief pieces 50 for holding an insert, such as a fabricpiece to simulate a door or window material. In an additionalembodiment, the door and window unit 40 can be prewired for connectionof lights, such as lamps. Optionally, frosted glass panels can be heldin the plurality of relief pieces 50 and backlit, such as by LED's tofurther simulate a frosted glass door.

The aperture unit 40 can be configured as a single or double hinge door.To facilitate multiple configurations, the aperture unit 40 can have twoholes 52 for insertion of door hardware, each hole being fillable with amatched plug 54 to hide the hole if desired. Likewise, to facilitatemultiple configurations, the aperture unit 40 can have a removablemolding mountable on the door and window unit to hide door hinges 56.The use of the removable molding(s) along with matched plugs allows forthe door and window unit to be used a single door set element or aregular wall instead of a double door.

In an embodiment, the aperture unit 40 can have a thickness suitable to,and be configured to, accommodate a pocket door slider 58. The apertureunit 40 can have riggable hooks 60, such as on a top 62 for allowing theaperture unit to be lifted in and out of location, such as by a crane ora forklift. Alternatively, instead of hooks, magnets or other couplingdevices can be used for allowing the aperture unit 40 to be lifted inand out of location. Additionally, the aperture unit 40 can have aspindle hole 64 in the top 62 or a bottom for fitting of a spindle (notshown). The spindle can be mounted on a studio floor or on a forkliftand rotatably fit within the spindle hole 62 for allowing the apertureunit 40 to be rotated on the spindle to change viewing from the firstface 42 to the second face 44 or from the second face 44 to the firstface 42. Multiple doors of different types can be stored in a pocket inthe wall unit 10 or in a pocket in the aperture unit 40 and differentdoors can be removed from the pocket and used with the aperture unit 40depending on the desired appearance for the set.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the aperture units 40 canhave a plurality of connector slots 66 for coupling window and doorunits 40 to each other and to wall units 10. The use of connector slots66 with connectors 33 that slidably engage in the connector slots 66allows for quick joining of window and door panels 40 to each other andto other components without the use of specialized tools. When not inuse, if necessary, plugs can be placed in the connector holes to hidethe connector holes. Connectors can be created for joining adjacentcomponents in a plane, such as the connector shown in FIG. 3, or at anangle, such as about ninety-degrees to form a corner. Alternatively,other coupling devices and fasteners such as magnets, brackets or snapscan be used as connector elements for joining aperture units 40 to eachother and to other components.

In an embodiment, one face of the aperture unit 40 can be configured asan interior window or door and the other face of the aperture unit 40configured as an exterior window or door. The aperture unit 40 can becovered with a slipcover to simulate a surface, such as wood, brick,stucco, plaster or wallpaper, as well as architectural features such asvarious types of windows or doors. The aperture unit 40 can be paintedor covered to have the appearance of three-dimensional architecturalfeatures, such as columns and bookcases on at least one side.

In an additional embodiment, one side of the aperture unit 40 can bepainted or covered as a green screen for use in virtual sets. Multiplewindows of different types can be stored in a pocket in the wall unit 10or in a pocket in the aperture unit 40 and different windows can beremoved from the pocket and used in the aperture unit 40 depending onthe desired appearance for the set.

When not in use, the aperture units 40 can be stacked and moved, forexample, on pallets or in standard containers. This saves storage spaceand eases crating and shipping. The structure of the aperture units 40can be made to be weight bearing, sturdy and safe. The internalstructure of the aperture units 40 can be made from one or more of, forexample, wood, aluminum and steel. The faces of the aperture units 40can be made with any suitable material and can be made with at least oneof, for example, wood, MDF, aluminum, steel, glass, plastic andmulti-vinyl castings.

In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the wall units10 and the aperture units 40 can have more than 2 faces. For example,the wall units and/or window units 40 can be formed as cubes with 6different faces. The cubes can be rotated to form 6 different sets.

A modular floor unit 80 according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Any embodiments of the modularfloor unit 80 can have any of the features, materials, components,sizes, or other details or combinations thereof of any other embodimentsdisclosed herein. The floor unit 80 can be used for creating an interioror exterior floor. The floor unit 80 can have a first face 82 and asecond face 84. Each face can be painted, colored or textured tosimulate a surface, such as for example marble, stone, brick, cement,asphalt, wood plank, tile or linoleum.

In a preferred embodiment, a first photograph can be printed on thefirst face 82 and a second different photograph can be printed on thesecond face 84. Each photograph can simulate a surface such as forexample marble, stone, brick, cement, asphalt, wood plank, tile orlinoleum. Some embodiments of the modular floor unit can made from, forexample, vinyl or other plastic or composite materials, fiberglass,wood, or any other suitable material or combination of the foregoing.

In any embodiments, the internal structure of the modular floor unit canbe made from one or more of, for example, wood, aluminum and steel. Thefaces of the modular floor unit can be made with any suitable materialand can be made with at least one of, for example, wood, concrete, brickand multi-vinyl castings.

The floor unit 80 can be made in numerous different sizes and shapes. Insome embodiments, the floor unit can be square and can have a size fromapproximately 4 inches by approximately 4 inches to approximately 4 feetby approximately 4 feet in size. As used herein, the term approximatelyis meant to represent a range of 10% greater than or less than thestated value, unless otherwise defined herein. In any embodimentsdisclosed herein, the floor unit can be magnetized for removableattachment to an undersurface such as a sheet of steel. In anyembodiments, each floor unit 80 can have a connector slot 86 along eachface. In some embodiments, the connector slots 86 can be configuredsimilarly to the connector slots in the wall units 10 and the window anddoor units 40.

Embodiments of a modular stair unit 100 and a modular landing unit 102are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The stair unit 100 and landing unit 102 canbe used for creating an interior or exterior stairway. The stair unit100 and the landing unit 102 can each be painted, textured or covered tosimulate a surface, such as for example wood, brick, marble or cement.

The stair unit 100 can have a lower base 104, a series of steps 106 andan upper base 108. The size of the lower base 104 and the upper base 108can be varied and can be configured to be the same size as one of thesteps. The number and sizes of the steps 106 can be varied for differenttypes of stairways. In an embodiment, the stair unit can have betweenabout 2 and about 20 stairs, preferably between about 5 and about 15stairs, and more preferably between about 6 and about 12 stairs. Thestair unit 100 can be held upright by resting the lower base 104 on theground, a stage, or a first riser and the upper base on a higher riseror other support. Alternatively, the stair unit 100 can have supportsand can stand upright without a riser or other support.

The stair unit 100 can have a connector slot 110 on the lower base 104and the upper base 108 for connection to one or more additional stairunits 100, landing units 102 or other components. Alternatively, othercoupling devices and fasteners such as magnets, brackets or snaps can beused for joining stair units 100 to each other and to other components.

The stair unit 100 can be prewired to accommodate lights. The stair unitcan also be fitted with holes in the lower base 104, the upper base 108and one or more stairs 106 for the attachment of railings and/orbanisters.

The stair units 100 can be made to be weight bearing, sturdy and safe.The internal structure of the stair units 100 can be made from one ormore of, for example, wood, aluminum and steel. The faces of the stairsand bases can be made with any suitable covering material and can bemade with at least one of, for example, wood, glass and brick.

Landing unit 102 can be placed adjacent to the stair unit lower base 104or upper base 108. The landing unit 102 can have a variety of differentshapes, such as for example, square, rectangular, semicircular or pieshaped. The landing unit 102 can have a connector slot 112 on each ofits sides for connection to one or more stair units 100 or to additionallanding units 102. Alternatively, other coupling devices and fastenerssuch as magnets, brackets or snaps can be used for joining landing units102 to each other and to other components.

The landing unit 102 can be prewired to accommodate lights. Thestructure of the landing units 102 can be made to be weight bearing,sturdy and safe. The internal structure of the landing units 102 can bemade from one or more of, for example, wood, aluminum and steel. Thelanding units 102 can be covered with any suitable covering materialsuch as, for example, wood, glass, brick, carpet and vinyl castings.

A plurality of wall units 10 and window and door units 40 and connectors33 can be manufactured and/or sold as a kit. The kit can be unpacked andthe wall units 10 and window and door units 40 can be connected to eachother as needed using the connectors 33 to form a stage as desired.Optionally, the kit further includes floor units 80, which can be placedadjacent to the wall units 10 and the window and door units 40 andcoupled to each other using the connectors 33. Optionally, the kitfurther includes a plurality of stair units 100 and landing units 102,which can be placed adjacent to the wall units and the window and doorunits 40 and coupled to each other using the connectors 33.

After the stage is put together using the connectors, if it becomesdesirable to change the stage, the wall units and the window and doorunits can have panels, insets, or covers changed. Additionally, the doorunits and the window and door units can be rotated 180 degrees.Additionally, the floor units can be flipped over. Additionally, theconfiguration of the stair units and the landing units can be changed.

In some embodiments, the wall units 10, window and door units 40 can beconfigured as a standard newsroom on one face and a living room on theother face, thereby allowing the wall units 10 and window units 40 to berotated 180 degrees to change from the newsroom set to the living roomset. As an additional example of the use of some embodiments disclosedherein, wall units 10, window and door units 40 and floor units 80 canbe used to simulate the interior of the Oval Office of the White Houseon one face and an exterior of the White House on the other face,thereby allowing the wall units 10, window units 40 and floor units 80to be rotated 180 degrees to change a set from the interior of the OvalOffice to the exterior of the White House.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate additional embodiments of a wall module200 of varying sizes and configurations. FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, are atop view, front view, side view, and isometric view, respectively, ofthe embodiment of the wall module 200 illustrated in FIG. 8C. FIG. 13 isan exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wall module 200illustrated in FIG. 8C. Any embodiments of the wall modules disclosedherein, including without limitation 200 illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B,and 8C can have any of the same features, materials, components, sizes,or other details or configurations of any other wall module embodimentsdisclosed herein. In any embodiments, the wall modules 200 in any ofFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C can have the same features and components, but canhave a varying size. For example, the wall module embodiment 200illustrated in FIG. 8A, or any other wall modules disclosed herein, canbe approximately 1.5 feet by approximately 1.5 feet, the wall moduleembodiment 200 illustrated in FIG. 8B can be approximately 3 feet tallby 1.5 feet wide, and the wall module embodiment 200 illustrated in FIG.8C can be approximately 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Additionally, anywall module embodiments disclosed herein can have any of the combinationof the foregoing sizes, or any other desired size either greater than orless than the aforementioned ranges. For example and without limitation,any of the wall modules can be approximately 10 feet tall by 2 feetwide, or approximately 12 feet tall by 2 feet wide, or approximately 2feet tall by 10 or 12 feet or more wide.

The wall module 200 can have a support member 202, one or more connectormembers 206, and one or more cover members 210 (also referred to hereinas panels or panel members) supported by the support member 202. One orboth main surfaces of any panels disclosed herein can be painted,covered, or otherwise decorated, as similarly described elsewhereherein. The connector members 206 can be configured to be supported bythe support member 202 on an upper surface or portion 202 a of thesupport member 202. Any number of connector members 206 can be used,depending on the size of the wall module, and the size and/or number ofconnector members 206 can be used. For example, the wall moduleembodiment 200 illustrated in FIG. 8A can have four connector members206, or from two to six connector members 206. The wall moduleembodiment 200 illustrated in FIG. 8C can have eight connector members206, or between two or three and ten or more connector members 206. Insome embodiments, the connector member 206 can be positioned at both ofthe two end portions of the support member 202. Additionally, aconnector member 206 can be positioned near the middle of the supportmember 202.

The connector members 206 can be configured to be received withincomplementary sized openings (not illustrated) formed in or positionedat a lower edge 202 b of the support member 202 so that a plurality ofsupport members 202 can be interconnected to form a larger wallstructure. As with any of the embodiments described above, the supportmembers 202 can be used to support display panels, facades, or otheraesthetic components. As will be described in greater detail below, anyof the support members 202 can have recesses, cuts, openings, weightrelief features, or other similar features formed therein to reduce theweight of the support members without unacceptably compromising thestiffness of the support members.

Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, the support memberscan be configured to support pre-painted panel members which can bepainted to represent landscape or scenery, wall structures, indoor oroutdoor walls, or any other suitable picture or illustration. The panelmembers can be made from wood, fiberglass, plastic, cloth or othertextiles, vinyl, plastic, or any other suitable material or combinationof materials. Additionally, the support members can be configured tosupport one or more continuous panel members configured to continuouslyextend across multiple wall modules, or across one or more wall unitsentirely, and optionally conceal seams, openings (e.g., hand grips),coupling devices (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) of a wall module or betweenthe wall modules. This enables multiple modules to appear as a singlestructure. The panel members may also extend downwards to conceal wheelsor the like mounted to the wall modules. Tensioning members or devicescan be positioned along the edges or at the corners of the panel members(e.g., where they are not visible at a typical camera height) and can beused to stretch or tension the panels to remove or reduce any folds,wrinkles, or other similar undulations in the panel members, withoutmarring the panels.

Additionally, in any embodiments, any number of connector members 206can be positioned on or supported by one or more of the side surfaces202 c of the support member 202 so that the support members 202 can beinterconnected in a lateral direction as well to provide removableconnections between a plurality of laterally arranged wall modules 200.For example, openings can be formed in the side portions 202 c of any ofthe support members 202, wherein the connector members 206 can beslidably or otherwise removably supported within the openings. When itis desired to interconnect one or more wall modules 200, one or moreconnector members 206 can be inserted within the openings formed in anupper surface, lower surface, and/or either of the side surfaces of thesupport member 202, to interconnect two or more wall modules.

As described above, in any embodiments, the connector members 206 can beremovably supported within openings (not illustrated) formed in thesupport member 202. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of theconnector members 206 can be non-removably supported by the supportmember 202, or can be integrally formed with the support member 202.Additionally, any embodiments of the wall module 200 wherein theconnector members 206 are removably supported by the support member 202,the wall modules 200 can be configured such that the connector members206 are inhibited from sliding out of the openings formed in the supportmember 202. This can be accomplished using any number of suitablefeatures, including without limitation hook and loop fasteners, detentsand complementary protrusions (depressable or otherwise), magnets, orany combination of the foregoing.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8, one or more panels 210 can besupported by the support member 202. For example, and withoutlimitation, a first panel 210 a can be supported on a first surface 202d (which can be a front facing surface) of the support member 202.Additionally, a second panel 210 b can be supported on a second surface202 e (which can be a rear facing surface) of the support member 202. Insome embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the panels 210 canbe removably attached to or supported by the support member 202 usingbolts, screws, press-fit, hook and loop fasteners, or other similarfasteners 212. Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, thepanels 210 can be supported by the support member 202 using hook andloop fasteners, latches, hooks, nails, or any other suitable fasteners.

In some embodiments, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 9, 11, and 13, oneor more tubes or spacer members 214 can be positioned between the panels210 and the support member 202 to widen the wall module 210 and/or toprovide spacing between the panels 210 and the support member 202. Insome embodiments, the fasteners 212 can be threadably received withinthreaded openings formed in the support member 202. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 13, the fasteners 212 can pass through openings inthe panel 210 and the support member 202 and then be threadably receivedby one or more threaded fasteners 216, which can be threaded nuts, orother similar fasteners.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are isometric views of another embodiment of a wallmodule 230 of variable size. With reference to FIG. 14, any of the wallmodule embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to have a rotationelement or module 232 (also referred to herein as a rotation member)removably or non-removably attached to or integrally formed with thesupport member 202 configured to permit the module 230 to rotate aboutan axis A through a centerline of a rotation pin or shaft 234 positionedon an upper surface 232 a of the rotation member 232. The rotationmember 232 can be configured such that the rotation pin or shaft 234 canbe received within a complementary shaped recess formed in or positionedat or adjacent to a bottom surface of an adjoining support member 202 ofa wall module 200 or wall module 230 having a rotation element 232.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a cap member 240 that can be supportedon a top surface of any of the support members 202 disclosed herein. Thecap member 240 can be used to cover and/or conceal any of the connectionmembers 206. In some embodiments, the cap member 240 can also help holdadjoining support members 202 together, bridging the gap between suchsupport members 202.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a first assembled wall structure 250 aand a second assembled wall structure 250 b, that can be interconnected.The assembled wall structures 250 can be comprised of any combination ofthe wall modules 200, 230 (or any other wall modules disclosed herein)or otherwise, interconnected to form a structurally stable wallstructure. In some embodiments, the wall modules 200, 230 (or any otherwall modules disclosed herein) can be positioned and interconnected soas to form an opening or window 254 in the wall structure 250, such asthe first wall structure 250 a.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more floor support members 256can be used to support the wall structures 250 in a vertical position orat any suitable angle. In some embodiments, the floor support members256 can engage or attach to the support members 202 of any of the wallmodules to provide a stable connection to the wall module. The floorsupport members 256 can have a base portion 258 that can be wider than awidth of the wall modules, and can have a vertical portion (not shown)that can overlap and/or engage with the support members 202.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C illustrate additional embodiments of a wallmodule 300 of varying sizes and configurations. FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and22, are a top view, front view, side view, and isometric view,respectively, of the embodiment of the wall module 300 illustrated inFIG. 18C. FIG. 23 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of thewall module 300 illustrated in FIG. 18C. Any embodiments of the wallmodules disclosed herein, including without limitation 300 illustratedin FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, can have any of the same features,materials, components, sizes, or other details or configurations of anyother wall module embodiments disclosed herein, including withoutlimitation the wall module 200 discussed above. In any embodiments, thewall modules 300 in any of FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C can have the samefeatures and components, but can have a varying size. For example, thewall module embodiment 300 illustrated in FIG. 18A can be approximately1.5 feet by approximately 1.5 feet, the wall module embodiment 300illustrated in FIG. 18B can be approximately 3 feet tall by 1.5 feetwide, and the wall module embodiment 300 illustrated in FIG. 18C can beapproximately 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Additionally, any wall moduleembodiments disclosed herein can have any of the combination of theforegoing sizes, or any other desired size either greater than or lessthan the aforementioned ranges.

The wall module 300 can have a support member 302, one or more connectormembers 306, and one or more cover members 310 (also referred to hereinas panels or panel members) supported by the support member 302. Theconnector members 306 can be configured to be supported by the supportmember 302 on an upper surface or portion 302 a of the support member302. Any number of connector members 306 can be used, depending on thesize of the wall module, and the size and/or number of connector members306 can be used. For example, the wall module embodiment 300 illustratedin FIG. 18A can have four connector members 306, or from two to sixconnector members 306. The wall module embodiment 300 illustrated inFIG. 18C can have eight connector members 306, or between two or threeand ten or more connector members 306. In some embodiments, theconnector member 306 can be positioned at both of the two end portionsof the support member 302. Additionally, a connector member 306 can bepositioned near the middle of the support member 302.

The connector members 306 can be configured to be received withincomplementary sized openings 308 formed in or positioned at a lower edge302 b of the support member 302 so that a plurality of support members302 can be interconnected to form a larger wall structure. As with anyof the embodiments described above, the support members 302 can be usedto support display panels (such as, but not limited to, cover members310), facades, or other aesthetic components. As will be described ingreater detail below, any of the support members 302 can have recesses,cuts, openings, weight relief features, or other similar features formedtherein to reduce the weight of the support members without unacceptablycompromising the stiffness of the support members.

Additionally, in any embodiments, any number of connector members 306can be positioned on or supported by one or more of the side surfaces302 c of the support member 302 so that the support members 302 can beinterconnected in a lateral direction as well to provide removableconnections between a plurality of laterally arranged wall modules 300.For example, openings can be formed in the side portions 302 c of any ofthe support members 302, wherein the connector members 306 can beslidably or otherwise removably supported within the openings. When itis desired to interconnect one or more wall modules 300, one or moreconnector members 306 can be inserted within the openings formed in anupper surface, lower surface, and/or either of the side surfaces of thesupport member 302, to interconnect two or more wall modules.

As described above, in any embodiments, the connector members 306 can beremovably supported within openings 308 or otherwise formed in thesupport member 302. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of theconnector members 306 can be non-removably supported by the supportmember 302, or can be integrally formed with the support member 302.Additionally, any embodiments of the wall module 300 wherein theconnector members 306 are removably supported by the support member 302,the wall modules 300 can be configured such that the connector members306 are inhibited from sliding out of the openings formed in the supportmember 302. This can be accomplished using any number of suitablefeatures, including without limitation hook and loop fasteners, detentsand complementary protrusions (depressable or otherwise), magnets, orany combination of the foregoing.

With reference to FIGS. 18A-18C, in some embodiments, the support member302 can have an upper or first support element 303 positioned at anupper or first end of the module 300 and a lower or second supportelement 304 positioned at a lower or second end of the module 300. Insome embodiments, the first support element 303 and the second supportelement 304 can be spaced apart from one another and only beinterconnected by the panels 310. However, in some embodiments, one ormore vertical support elements (not illustrated) can be positionedbetween the first support element 303 and the second support element 304to provide vertical stability to the support member 302. Such verticalsupports can be bolted to, integrally formed with, or otherwisesupported by the first support element 303 and the second supportelement 304. For example, in some embodiments, the vertical support canhave end portions positionable within the openings 308 formed in thefirst support element 303 and/or the second support element 304.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 18, one or more panels 310 can besupported by the support member 302. For example, and withoutlimitation, a first panel 310 a can be supported on a first surface 302d (which can be a front facing surface) of the support member 302.Additionally, a second panel 310 b can be supported on a second surface302 e (which can be a rear facing surface) of the support member 302. Insome embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the panels 310 canbe removably attached to or supported by the support member 302 usingbolts, screws, press-fit, hook and loop fasteners, or other similarfasteners 312. Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, thepanels 310 can be supported by the support member 302 using hook andloop fasteners, latches, hooks, nails, or any other suitable fasteners.

In some embodiments, the fasteners 312 can be threadably received withinthreaded openings formed in the support member 302. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 23, the fasteners 312 can pass through openings inthe panel 310 and the support member 302 then be threadably received byone or more threaded fasteners 316, which can be threaded nuts, or othersimilar fasteners.

In some embodiments, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 21 and 23, recesses305 can be formed in the front face 302 d and rear face 302 e of thesupport member 302 (either or both of the first support element 303 andthe second support element 304) so that the panels 310 can be recessedrelative to an outside surface of the support member 302. For example,in some embodiments, the recess can have a thickness approximately equalto a thickness of any panel member that may be supported by the supportmember 302.

With reference to FIG. 24, any of the wall module embodiments disclosedherein can be configured to have a rotation element or module 332 (alsoreferred to herein as a rotation member) removably or non-removablyattached to or integrally formed with the support member 302 configuredto permit the module 330 to rotate about an axis A through a centerlineof a rotation pin or shaft 334 positioned on an upper surface 332 a ofthe rotation member 332. The rotation member 332 can be configured suchthat the rotation pin or shaft 334 can be received within acomplementary shaped recess formed in or positioned at or adjacent to abottom surface of an adjoining support member 302 of a wall module 300or wall module 330 having a rotation element 332.

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a cap member 340 that can be supportedon a top surface of any of the support members 302 disclosed herein. Thecap member 340 can be used to cover and/or conceal any of the connectionmembers 306. In some embodiments, the cap member 340 can also help holdadjoining support members 302 together, bridging the gap between suchsupport members 302.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a first assembled wall structure 350 aand a second assembled wall structure 350 b, that can be interconnected.The assembled wall structures 350 can be comprised of any combination ofthe wall modules 300, 330 (or any other wall modules disclosed herein)or otherwise, interconnected to form a structurally stable wallstructure. In some embodiments, the wall modules 300, 330 (or any otherwall modules disclosed herein) can be positioned and interconnected soas to form an opening or window 354 in the wall structure 350, such asthe first wall structure 350 a.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more floor support members 356can be used to support the wall structures 350 in a vertical position ororientation, or at any suitable angular orientation. In someembodiments, the floor support members 356 can engage or attach to thesupport members 302 of any of the wall modules to provide a stableconnection to the wall module. The floor support members 356 can have abase portion 358 that can be wider than a width of the wall modules, andcan have a vertical portion (not shown) that can overlap and/or engagewith the support members 302.

FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate additional embodiments of a wall module 400of varying sizes and configurations. FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32, are a topview, front view, side view, and isometric view, respectively, of theembodiment of the wall module 400 illustrated in FIG. 28B. FIG. 33 is anexploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wall module 400illustrated in FIG. 28B. Any embodiments of the wall modules disclosedherein, including without limitation 400 illustrated in FIGS. 28A and28B, can have any of the same features, materials, components, sizes, orother details or configurations of any other wall module embodimentsdisclosed herein, including without limitation the wall module 200 orthe wall module 300 discussed above. In any embodiments, the wallmodules 400 in any of FIGS. 28A and 28B can have the same features andcomponents, but can have a varying size. For example, the wall moduleembodiment 400 illustrated in FIG. 28A can be approximately 1.5 feet byapproximately 1.5 feet, and the wall module embodiment 400 illustratedin FIG. 28B can be approximately 3 feet or more tall by 3 feet or morewide. Additionally, any wall module embodiments disclosed herein canhave any of the combination of the foregoing sizes, or any other desiredsize either greater than or less than the aforementioned ranges.

The wall module 400 can have a support member 402, one or more connectormembers 406, and one or more cover members 410 (also referred to hereinas panels or panel members) supported by the support member 402. Theconnector members 406 can be configured to be supported by the supportmember 402 on an upper surface or portion 402 a of the support member402. Any number of connector members 406 can be used, depending on thesize of the wall module, and the size and/or number of connector members406 can be used. For example, the wall module embodiment 400 illustratedin FIG. 28A can have two connector members 406. In some embodiments, theconnector member 406 can be positioned at both of the two end portionsof the support member 402. Additionally, in some embodiments, aconnector member 406 can be positioned near the middle of the supportmember 402.

The connector members 406 can be configured to be received withincomplementary sized openings 408 formed in or positioned at a lower edge402 b of the support member 402 so that a plurality of support members402 can be interconnected to form a larger wall structure. As with anyof the embodiments described above, the support members 402 can be usedto support display panels (such as, but not limited to, cover members410), facades, or other aesthetic components. As will be described ingreater detail below, any of the support members 402 can have recesses,cuts, openings, weight relief features, or other similar features formedtherein to reduce the weight of the support members without unacceptablycompromising the stiffness of the support members.

Additionally, in any embodiments, any number of connector members 406can be positioned on or supported by one or more of the side surfaces402 c of the support member 402 so that the support members 402 can beinterconnected in a lateral direction as well to provide removableconnections between a plurality of laterally arranged wall modules 400.For example, openings can be formed in the side portions 402 c of any ofthe support members 402, wherein the connector members 406 can beslidably or otherwise removably supported within the openings. When itis desired to interconnect one or more wall modules 400, one or moreconnector members 406 can be inserted within the openings formed in anupper surface, lower surface, and/or either of the side surfaces of thesupport member 402, to interconnect two or more wall modules.

As described above, in any embodiments, the connector members 406 can beremovably supported within openings 408 or otherwise formed in thesupport member 402. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of theconnector members 406 can be non-removably supported by the supportmember 402, or can be integrally formed with the support member 402.Additionally, any embodiments of the wall module 400 wherein theconnector members 406 are removably supported by the support member 402,the wall modules 400 can be configured such that the connector members406 are inhibited from sliding out of the openings formed in the supportmember 402. This can be accomplished using any number of suitablefeatures, including without limitation hook and loop fasteners, detentsand complementary protrusions (depressable or otherwise), magnets, orany combination of the foregoing.

With reference to FIGS. 28A-28B, in some embodiments, the support member402 can have a first side support element 403 positioned at a first side(which can be a left side) of the module 400 and a second supportelement 404 positioned at a second side (which can be a right side) ofthe module 400. In some embodiments, the first support element 403 andthe second support element 404 can be spaced apart from one another andonly be interconnected by the panels 410. However, in some embodiments,one or more lateral support members (not illustrated) can be positionedbetween the first support element 403 and the second support element 404to provide lateral stability to the support member 402 and, hence, thewall module 400. Such lateral supports can be bolted to, integrallyformed with, or otherwise supported by the first support element 403 andthe second support element 404. For example, in some embodiments, thelateral support or supports can have end portions positionable withinopenings formed in the first and/or second support elements 403, 404.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 28, one or more panels 410 can besupported by the support member 402. For example, and withoutlimitation, a first panel 410 a can be supported on a first surface 402d (which can be a front facing surface) of the support member 402.Additionally, a second panel 410 b can be supported on a second surface402 e (which can be a rear facing surface) of the support member 402. Insome embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the panels 410 canbe removably attached to or supported by the support member 402 usingbolts, screws, press-fit, hook and loop fasteners, or other similarfasteners 412. Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, thepanels 410 can be supported by the support member 402 using hook andloop fasteners, latches, hooks, nails, or any other suitable fasteners.

In some embodiments, the fasteners 412 can be threadably received withinthreaded openings formed in the support member 402. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 33, the fasteners 412 can pass through openings inthe panel 410 and the support member 402 then be threadably received byone or more threaded fasteners 416, which can be threaded nuts, or othersimilar fasteners.

In some embodiments, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 31 and 33, recesses405 can be formed in the front face 402 d and rear face 402 e of thesupport member 402 (either or both of the first support element 403 andthe second support element 404) so that the panels 410 can be recessedrelative to an outside surface of the support member 402. For example,in some embodiments, the recess can have a thickness approximately equalto a thickness of any panel member that may be supported by the supportmember 402.

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a hinge member 432 thatcan be used with any of the wall module embodiments disclosed herein,including without limitation, wall module 430. The hinge 432 can beremovably or non-removably attached to the side portions of any of thewall modules disclosed herein. The hinge member 432 is configured torotate about an axis A through a centerline of a rotation pin or shaft434 positioned between and coupling two plates or panels 435 a, 435 b ofthe hinge member.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of a first assembled wall structure 450 aand a second assembled wall structure 450 b, that can be interconnected.The assembled wall structures 450 can be comprised of any combination ofthe wall modules 400 (or any other wall modules disclosed herein ofvarying sizes) or otherwise, interconnected to form a structurallystable wall structure 450. In some embodiments, the wall modules 400 (orany other wall modules disclosed herein) can be positioned andinterconnected so as to form an opening or window 454 in the wallstructure 450, such as the first wall structure 450 a. Any embodimentsdisclosed herein can have multiple openings or windows formed in thewall structures.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more floor support members 456can be used to support the wall structures 450 in a vertical position ororientation, or at any suitable angular orientation. In someembodiments, the floor support members 456 can engage or attach to thesupport members 402 of any of the wall modules to provide a stableconnection to the wall module. The floor support members 456 can have abase portion 458 that can be wider than a width of the wall modules, andcan have a vertical portion (not shown) that can overlap and/or engagewith the support members 402 and/or panels.

FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C illustrate additional embodiments of a wallmodule 500 of varying sizes and configurations. FIGS. 38, 39, 40, and41, are a top view, front view, side view, and isometric view,respectively, of the embodiment of the wall module 500 illustrated inFIG. 37C. FIGS. 42, 43, 44, and 45, are a top view, front view, sideview, and isometric view, respectively, of the embodiment of the supportmember 502 of the wall module embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37C. FIG.46 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of the wall module 500illustrated in FIG. 37C. Any embodiments of the wall modules disclosedherein, including without limitation 500 illustrated in FIGS. 37A, 37B,and 37C, can have any of the same features, materials, components,sizes, or other details or configurations of any other wall moduleembodiments disclosed herein, including without limitation the wallmodules 200, 300, or 400 discussed above.

In any embodiments, the wall modules 500 in any of FIGS. 37A, 37B, and37C can have the same features and components, but can have a varyingsize. For example, the wall module embodiment 500 illustrated in FIG.37A can be approximately 1.5 feet by approximately 1.5 feet, the wallmodule embodiment 500 illustrated in FIG. 37B can be approximately 3feet tall by 1.5 feet wide, and the wall module embodiment 500illustrated in FIG. 37C can be approximately 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide.Additionally, any wall module embodiments disclosed herein can have anyof the combination of the foregoing sizes, or any other desired sizeeither greater than or less than the aforementioned values.

The wall module 500 can have a support member 502, one or more connectormembers 506, and one or more cover members 510 (also referred to hereinas panels or panel members) supported by the support member 502. Theconnector members 506 can be configured to be supported by the supportmember 502 on an upper surface or portion 502 a of the support member502. Any number of connector members 506 can be used, depending on thesize of the wall module, and the size and/or number of connector members506 can be used. For example, the wall module embodiment 500 illustratedin FIG. 37A can have four connector members 506, or from two to sixconnector members 506. The wall module embodiment 500 illustrated inFIG. 37C can have six connector members 506, or between two or three andten or more connector members 506. In some embodiments, the connectormember 506 can be positioned at both of the two end portions of thesupport member 502. Additionally, a connector member 506 can bepositioned near the middle of the support member 502.

The connector members 506 can be configured to be received withincomplementary sized openings 508 formed in or positioned at a lower edge502 b of the support member 502 so that a plurality of support members502 can be interconnected to form a larger wall structure. As with anyof the embodiments described above, the support members 502 can be usedto support display panels (such as, but not limited to, cover members510), facades, or other aesthetic components. As will be described ingreater detail below, any of the support members 502 can have recesses,cuts, openings, weight relief features, or other similar features formedtherein to reduce the weight of the support members without unacceptablycompromising the stiffness of the support members.

Additionally, in any embodiments, any number of connector members 506can be positioned on or supported by one or more of the side surfaces502 c of the support member 502 so that the support members 502 can beinterconnected in a lateral direction as well to provide removableconnections between a plurality of laterally arranged wall modules 500.For example, openings can be formed in the side portions 502 c of any ofthe support members 502, wherein the connector members 506 can beslidably or otherwise removably supported within the openings. When itis desired to interconnect one or more wall modules 500, one or moreconnector members 506 can be inserted within the openings formed in anupper surface, lower surface, and/or either of the side surfaces of thesupport member 502, to interconnect two or more wall modules.

As described above, in any embodiments, the connector members 506 can beremovably supported within openings 508 or otherwise formed in thesupport member 502. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of theconnector members 506 can be non-removably supported by the supportmember 502, or can be integrally formed with the support member 502.Additionally, any embodiments of the wall module 500 wherein theconnector members 506 are removably supported by the support member 502,the wall modules 500 can be configured such that the connector members506 are inhibited from sliding out of the openings formed in the supportmember 502. This can be accomplished using any number of suitablefeatures, including without limitation hook and loop fasteners, detentsand complementary protrusions (depressable or otherwise), magnets, orany combination of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the support member 502 can have an upper or firstsupport element 503 positioned at an upper or first end of the module500 and a lower or second support element 504 positioned at a lower orsecond end of the module 500. In some embodiments, the first supportelement 503 and the second support element 504 can be spaced apart fromone another supported vertically by one or more struts 509 (alsoreferred to herein as vertical support element, or member). In someembodiments, two struts 509 can be interconnected and used to supportthe first and second support elements 503, 504. The struts 509 can bepositioned between the first support element 503 and the second supportelement 504 to provide vertical stability to the support member 502.Such vertical supports can be bolted to, integrally formed with, orotherwise supported by the first support element 503 and the secondsupport element 504. For example, in some embodiments, the verticalsupport can have end portions positionable within or adjacent torecesses formed in the first support element 503 and/or the secondsupport element 504. In any embodiments disclosed herein, any portion orany members of the support member (including, without limitation, thestruts) can have recesses, cuts, openings, weight relief features, orother similar features formed therein to reduce the weight of thesupport members without unacceptably compromising the stiffness of thesupport members.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 37, one or more panels 510 can besupported by the support member 502. For example, and withoutlimitation, a first panel 510 a can be supported on a first surface 502d (which can be a front facing surface) of the support member 502.Additionally, a second panel 510 b can be supported on a second surface502 e (which can be a rear facing surface) of the support member 502. Insome embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the panels 510 canbe removably attached to or supported by the support member 502 usingbolts, screws, press-fit, hook and loop fasteners, or other similarfasteners 512. Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, thepanels 510 can be supported by the support member 502 using hook andloop fasteners, latches, hooks, nails, or any other suitable fasteners.In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 512can be threadably received within threaded openings formed in thesupport member 502. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 23, thefasteners 512 can pass through openings in the panel 510 and the supportmember 502 then be threadably received by one or more threaded fasteners516, which can be threaded nuts, or other similar fasteners.

In any embodiments disclosed herein, the panels can be configured tohave continuous surfaces, free of any openings therein such that theappearance of the panels or the skins or veneers attached thereto willbe continuous and uninterrupted. This may improve the aesthetic qualityand appearance of the wall modules and provide a more realistic lookingappearance to the scene portrayed by the plurality of wall modules. Thefastening mechanisms used to attach the panels to the support memberscan be configured to engage one or more side surfaces of the panels sothat the appearance of the front of the panels will not be interruptedby fasteners or openings for the fasteners. Further, the panels and wallmodules can be configured such that the panels can be removable from thesupport member even when the wall module is surrounded or joined on oneor more sides thereof with other wall modules. For example, in anyembodiments disclosed herein, the wall module can have one or more clipsconfigured to engage and support the panel members. The clips can be,for example, metal, fiberglass, or plastic clips configured to bedeflectable so that, when deflected, the panel can be removed from thesupport member and, when relaxed, are configured to engage the panelmember and support the panel member in the desired position.

Additionally, one or more magnets can be supported within or on thesurface of the panel member. The magnets can be configured to removablyattach the panels to the support member sufficiently, while permitting auser to remove the panels by applying a force to the panel in adirection opposite to the direction of attraction of the magnetic force.The stage operator could use a suction cup, another magnet, or otherobject to allow the operator to pull the panel away from the supportmember.

Any of the wall module embodiments disclosed herein can be configured tohave up to and including four panel surfaces that can be supported by asingle support member. For example, a wall module can support a firstpanel member on a first side of the support member, and a second panelmember on a second side of the support member. The first panel membercan have a first side with a first skin, veneer, material, orappearance, a second side with a second skin, veneer, material, orappearance. The wall module, which can be any wall module embodimentdisclosed herein, can be configured such that the panel member isreversible, wherein a stage operator can selectively display either thefirst side or the second side of the panel member, depending on thescene that is desired to be displayed. Similarly, the wall module can beconfigured such that the second panel member can have a first side witha first skin, veneer, material, or appearance, a second side with asecond skin, veneer, material, or appearance, also reversible. Again, inthis configuration, the wall module can be configured to display any oneof four panel surfaces such that the wall module can display any one offour different appearances.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 49, a side panel 513 can besupported by the support member 502. The side panel 513 can have any ofthe same features, finishes, or other details of any of the other panelsdisclosed herein, including without limitation panels 510. The sidepanels 513 can be used to conceal the gap between the panels 510 and toconceal the support member 502, as well as to provide another surfacefor the facade.

Further, in some embodiments, the struts 509 can have tabs orprotrusions 511 (also referred to herein as latches) on a surfacethereof, the tabs of protrusions 511 being configured to fit withinopenings 513 formed in the panels 510. In this arrangement, a user canlift and place a panel against the support member 502 so that the tabs511 pass through the openings 513 formed in the panels. Once in thisposition, the tabs 511 can support the panels 510 in the verticaldirection. The fasteners 512 can then be easily inserted through thepanels 510 into the support members 502 to secure the panels to thesupport members. The length of the tabs 511 can be equal to a thicknessof the panels 510. Finally, openings 514 can also be formed in thepanels 510, the openings 514 providing handles or openings for theuser's hands or fingers to pass through when handling the panels 510. Insome embodiments, the support member can have one or more tabsconfigured to support the panels.

In some embodiments, recesses 505 can be formed in the front face 502 dand rear face 502 e of the support member 502 (either or both of thefirst support element 503 and the second support element 504) so thatthe panels 510 can be recessed relative to an outside surface of thesupport member 502. For example, in some embodiments, the recess canhave a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of any panel memberthat may be supported by the support member 502.

FIG. 47 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a wall module 530.With reference to FIG. 47, any of the wall module embodiments disclosedherein can be configured to have a rotation element or module 532 (alsoreferred to herein as a rotation member) removably or non-removablyattached to or integrally formed with the support member 502 configuredto permit the module 530 to rotate about an axis A through a centerlineof a rotation pin or shaft 534 positioned on an upper surface 532 a ofthe rotation member 532. The rotation member 532 can be configured suchthat the rotation pin or shaft 534 can be received within acomplementary shaped recess formed in or positioned at or adjacent to abottom surface of an adjoining support member 502 of a wall module 500or wall module 530 having a rotation element 532. In some embodiments,as illustrated in FIG. 48, any of the wall module embodiments disclosedherein can have a rotational member 532 on both sides of the module.

FIG. 50 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a wall module 540.Any of the wall module embodiments disclosed herein can be configured tohave an angle member 542 removably or non-removably attached to orintegrally formed with the support member 502 of a pair of wall modules500 configured to support the adjacent wall modules at a set oradjustable angular orientation relative to one another. In someembodiments, the angle member can be permanently attached to the supportmember 502 of the adjacent wall modules, or can be integrally formedwith the support member 502 of the adjacent wall modules. In someembodiments, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 50, the adjacentwall modules 500 can be separated by an angle of approximately 120° bythe angle member 542. In some embodiments, as in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 51, the adjacent wall modules 500 can be separatedby an angle of approximately 90° by the angle member 542. In anyembodiments disclosed herein, the adjacent wall modules can be separatedby an angle of from approximately 45° to approximately 135° by the anglemember 542.

FIG. 52 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a cap member 550 thatcan be supported on a top surface of any of the support members 502disclosed herein. The cap member 550 can be used to cover and/or concealany of the connection members 506. In some embodiments, the cap member550 can also help hold adjoining support members 502 together, bridgingthe gap between such support members 502.

FIG. 53 is an isometric view of a first assembled wall structure 550 aand a second assembled wall structure 550 b, that can be interconnectedusing the one or more rotation modules 532. The assembled wallstructures 550 can be comprised of any combination of the wall modules500, 530 (or any other wall modules disclosed herein) or otherwise,interconnected to form a structurally stable wall structure. In someembodiments, the wall modules 500, 530 (or any other wall modulesdisclosed herein) can be positioned and interconnected so as to form anopening or window 554 in the wall structure 550, such as the first wallstructure 550 a.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more floor support members 556can be used to support the wall structures 550 in a vertical position ororientation, or at any suitable angular orientation. In someembodiments, the floor support members 556 can engage or attach to thesupport members 502 of any of the wall modules to provide a stableconnection to the wall module. The floor support members 556 can have abase portion 558 that can be wider than a width of the wall modules, andcan have a vertical portion (not shown) that can overlap and/or engagewith the support members 502. The vertical portions may form a slot inwhich the wall structures 550 may rest. In addition or instead, thefloor support members 556 may be affixed to the wall structures 550using bolts, screws, rivets, and/or otherwise

Further, any wall module embodiments or wall structure embodimentsdisclosed herein can be configured to support one or more casters,bi-directional rollers, or wheels (collectively referred to as a wheelor wheels) for portability of the wall module or wall structure. Forexample and without limitation, one or more wheels can be positioned ata bottom end of the wall module 500 or the wall structure 550. The oneor more wheels can be used to roll the wall module or wall structure inany desired direction. The one or more wheels can be removably ornon-removably supported by the wall modules or wall structures, or bythe support member of any of the wall modules.

For example and without limitation, with reference to FIG. 54, the oneor more wheels can be supported within respective recesses formed in thewall module or support member thereof and be configured such that only aportion of the wheel projects below the bottom surface of the wallmodule when supported by the wall module. The one or more wheels can beselectively supported by any number of the wall modules, for example,the wall modules located at the bottom portion of the wall structure.

In any embodiments, the one or more wheels can be configured to be usedin conjunction with the floor support members (such as, withoutlimitation, the floor support members 556) such that the wall structurescan be stabilized by the floor support members when the wall structureis desired to be stationary, and such that the wall structures can berolled on the one or more wheels when the wall structure is desired tobe moved. Further, in any embodiments disclosed herein, one or moresliders can be used in addition to or in the alternative to any of thewall modules or wall structures.

With reference to FIG. 54, in any wall module or wall structureembodiments disclosed herein, one or more wheels, sliders, or rollers(collectively referred to herein as wheel) can be positioned on a sidesurface of the wall module or wall structure adjacent to a bottom edgeof the wall module or wall structure. In this arrangement, the wheel(such as wheel 562) can be configured such that, when the wall structureis in a horizontal orientation relative to a floor or other supportsurface, the wheel will be positioned out of contact with the floor orsupport surface. To engage the wheel to support at least a portion ofthe weight of the wall, an end of the wall structure opposite the endhaving the wheel supported thereon can be lifted to tilt the wallstructure in an orientation (such as at an angle of 15 degrees) toengage the wheel 562 with the ground surface for mobility. Any of theembodiments of the wheel 560 or wheel 562 can be retractably supportedby the wall module so that the wheel can be retracted when in a stowedposition so that the wheel is not visible, or is less visible, when inthe stowed state. Additionally or alternatively, a cover member, flap,or other similar object can be positioned over the wheel to partially orfully conceal the wheel.

FIG. 55 illustrates still an additional embodiments of a wall module5300, which may be of varying sizes and configurations. FIGS. 56, 57,58, and 59, are a top view, front view, side view, and isometric view,respectively, of the embodiment of the wall module 5300 illustrated inFIG. 55. FIG. 60 is an exploded assembly view of the embodiment of thewall module 5300 illustrated in FIG. 55. In any embodiments, the wallmodule 5300 in FIG. 55 can have the same features and components, butcan have a varying size and a varying number of connector members. Forexample, the wall module embodiment 5300 illustrated in FIG. 55 can beapproximately 1.5 feet by approximately 1.5 feet, approximately 3 feettall by 1.5 feet wide, approximately 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide,approximately 8 feet tall by 10 feet wide, or approximately 10 feet tallby 10 feet wide. Additionally, any wall module embodiments disclosedherein can have any of the combination of the foregoing sizes, or anyother desired size either greater than or less than the aforementionedranges. By way of further example, a given wall module or supportelement may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or other number of connectormembers. The components, including the panels, disclosed herein canoptionally be comprises of water-resistant or waterproofed materials foruse in wet, exterior environments.

The wall module 5300 can have a support member 5302, one or moreconnector members 5306, and one or more cover members 5310 (alsoreferred to herein as panels or panel members) supported by the supportmember 5302. The support member 5302 and the connector members may beintegrally formed as a single component. The connector members 5306 canbe configured to be supported by the support member 5302 on an uppersurface or portion 5302 a of the support member 5302. A given supportmember 5302 (including its connector members) may optionally be hollowor may be solid. As used in this disclosure, the term “hollow” has itsordinary meaning, which includes having a hole or empty space inside. Asone example, a hollow connection member can have a recess that issubstantially bounded on all sides but one. A given connector member mayhave an orifice and passageway 5307 via which cables, conduit, piping,and/or poles may be routed. For example, the cables may be electricalcables, the piping may be for liquids, and the poles may be configuredto support a roof member, such as a tarp, over one or more wall modules(e.g., over wall modules assembled to form a two, three, or four walledroom or stall). Any number of connector members 5306 can be used,depending on the size of the wall module, and the size and/or number ofconnector members 5306 can be used. For example, the wall moduleembodiment 5300 illustrated in FIG. 55 can have one connector member5306, or from two to ten (or other number) connector members 5306. Insome embodiments, the connector member 5306 can be positioned at both ofthe two end portions of the support member 5302. Additionally, aconnector member 5306 can be positioned near the middle of the supportmember 5302.

The connector members 5306 may optionally have tapered walls 5309 with aflat or domed square or rectangular top surface 5311 and/or bottomsurface or orifice to thereby facilitate the engagement of male andfemale connector members or support members. For example, the connectormembers 5306 may be in the form of a square based pyramid with atruncated top. Other shapes, such as a truncated or non-truncated coneor triangular based pyramid or other pyramidal frustum may be used forone or more of the connector members.

The connector members 5306 can be configured to be received withincomplementary sized openings 5308 formed in or positioned at a loweredge 5302 of the support member 5302 so that a plurality of supportmembers 5302 can be interconnected to form a larger wall structure. Inembodiments where the connector members 5306 of a support member arehollow, a support member can be used as either male support member or asa female support member, depending on whether the support member isinstalled so that its connector member protrusions are extending fromthe wall module 5300 (to be used as a male) or are extending into theinterior of the wall module 5300 (to be used as a female connectormember configured to receive a male connector member).

As with any of the embodiments described above, the support members 5302can be used to support display panels (such as, but not limited to,cover members 5310), facades, or other aesthetic components. Further,any of the support members 5302 can have recesses, cuts, openings,weight relief features, or other similar features formed therein toreduce the weight of the support members without unacceptablycompromising the stiffness of the support members.

Additionally, in any embodiments, any number of connector members 5306can be positioned on or supported by one or more of the side surfaces5302 c of the support member 5302 so that the support members 5302 canbe interconnected in a lateral direction as well to provide removableconnections between a plurality of laterally arranged wall modules 5300.For example, openings can be formed in the side portions 5302 c of anyof the support members 5302, wherein the connector members 5306 can beslidably or otherwise removably supported within the openings. When itis desired to interconnect one or more wall modules 5300, one or moreconnector members 5306 can be inserted within the openings formed in anupper surface, lower surface, and/or either of the side surfaces of thesupport member 5302, to interconnect two or more wall modules. As notedabove, the openings may be formed and defined by hollow connectormembers 5306 positioned to face the interior of the wall 5300.Advantageously, an assembled wall unit 5300 may be disassembled, andwhere the connector members 5306 are hollow, the support members 5302may be stacked one on top of the other in nested fashion, where a givenconnector member of a support member is inserted into the bottom openingof a corresponding connector member of second support member and atleast a portion of the support member nests within the second supportmember. The two or more of the support members, including the connectormembers 5306, may have the same configuration and dimensions and may bemanufactured using the same mold or other fabrication machining.

With reference to FIGS. 55-60, in some embodiments, the support member5302 can have an upper or first support element 5303 positioned at anupper or first end of the module 5300 and a lower or second supportelement 5304 positioned at a lower or second end of the module 5300. Insome embodiments, the first support element 303 and the second supportelement 5304 can be spaced apart from one another and only beinterconnected by the panels 5310. However, in some embodiments, one ormore internal support elements 5314 can be positioned between the firstsupport element 303 and the second support element 304 to provideaddition support and rigidity. The internal support elements 5314 mayhave one or more tabs or protrusions 5511 on a surface thereof, the tabsof protrusions 5511 being configured to fit within openings 5513 formedin the cover members 5310. In this arrangement, a user can lift andplace a panel against the support element 5314 so that the tabs 5511pass through the openings 5513 formed in the panels. Once in thisposition, the tabs 5511 can support the panels 5310 in the verticaland/or horizontal direction. The length of the tabs 5511 can be equal toa thickness of the cover members 5310. Finally, openings 5514 can alsobe formed in the cover members 5310, the openings 5514 providing handlesor openings for the user's hands or fingers to pass through whenhandling the cover members 5310. In some embodiments, the support membercan have one or more tabs configured to support the panels.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 55, one or more panels 5310 can besupported by the support member 5302. For example, and withoutlimitation, a first panel 5310 a can be supported on a first surface(which can be a front facing surface) of the support member 5302.Additionally, a second panel 5310 b can be supported on a second surface(which can be a rear facing surface) of the support member 5302. In someembodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the panels 5310 can beremovably attached to or supported by the support member 5302 usingbolts, screws, press-fit, hook and loop fasteners, or other similarfasteners 5312. The fasteners 5312 may be inserted into countersunkreceiving openings in the panels 5310 so as not to protrude outside ofthe outward facing side of the panels 5310. Additionally, in anyembodiments disclosed herein, the panels 5310 can be supported by thesupport member 5302 using hook and loop fasteners, latches, hooks,nails, or any other suitable fasteners.

In some embodiments, the fasteners 5312 can be threadably receivedwithin threaded openings formed in the support member 5302 (where thethreaded openings may be provided via a threaded metal insert).Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 60, the fasteners 5312 can passthrough openings in the panel 5310 and the support member 302 then bethreadably received by one or more threaded fasteners, which can bethreaded nuts, or other similar fasteners.

FIG. 61 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of the support member 5302,including a plurality of connector members 5306, illustrated in FIG. 55.As can be seen, the support member 5302 and connector members 5306 arehollow, enabling them to be used as either a male or female component,and enabling the support members to be stacked for storage, when notbeing used in a panel.

FIGS. 62 and 63 illustrate several of the wall modules of FIG. 55interconnected to define an opening configured to receive a windowmodule. In this example, the support members of the panels 5300 formingthe opening are oriented to that the connector members are facing intothe interior of the panel 5300, and not into the opening where thewindow is to be positioned.

FIGS. 64A-66 illustrates an embodiment of a window module 5600, whichcan optionally be incorporated into a modular wall (not shown)constructed with one or more wall modules disclosed herein, such as wallmodules 5300. As discussed further below, the window module 5600includes a pair of panels 5610 a, 5610 b that can be interconnected byone or more internal support elements (e.g., rib members) 5660, one ormore side panels 5650, and one or more frame members 5640 to form theassembled window module 5600. In one embodiment, the pair of panels 5610a, 5610 b are substantially equal in size and shape (e.g., identical toeach other). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pair of panels5610 a, 5610 b is monolithic (e.g., seamless).

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the panels 5610 a, 5610 b has anouter perimeter 5611 and an opening 5612 (e.g., central opening) definedby an inner perimeter 5614 of the panel 5610, 5610 b. In the illustratedembodiment, the inner perimeter 5614 is defined by a pair of generallyhorizontal edges 5618 and a pair of generally vertical edges 5620.Optionally, the outer perimeter 5611 has a generally square shape. Inother embodiments the outer perimeter 5611 can be generally rectangular.Optionally, the inner perimeter 5614 defines a square shaped opening5612. In other embodiments the inner perimeter 5614 can be generallyrectangular. The panels 5610 a, 5610 b can have a border (e.g.,continuous border) B defined between the outer perimeter 5611 and theinner perimeter 5614. The generally horizontal edges 5618 and generallyvertical edges 5620 can optionally have one or more recessed edgeportions 5616 defined therein. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter5611 can have a size of approximately 3 feet by approximately 3½ feet.However, the outer perimeter 5611 can have other suitable sizes such asapproximately 3½ feet by approximately 4 feet. In one embodiment, theinner perimeter 5614 can have a size of approximately 2 feet byapproximately 2 feet. However, the inner perimeter 5614 can have othersuitable sizes.

Each panel 5610 a, 5610 b can have one or more openings 5613 (e.g., slotopenings, slits). In one embodiment, the openings 5613 extend completelythrough the thickness t of the panels 5610 a, 5610 b. In anotherembodiment, the openings 5613 extend partially through the thickness tof the panels 5610 a, 5610 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels5610 a, 5610 b have a plurality of openings 5613, with four openings onthe bottom side, four openings on the top side, and one opening on eachof the left and right sides of the panel 5610 a, 5610 b. However, thepanels 5610 a, 5610 b can have other suitable number of openings 5613.In one embodiment, the openings 5613 can be spaced apart by a distance5615. Optionally, the distance 5615 can be constant for openings 5613 onthe bottom and/or top sides of the panel 5610 a, 5610 b, so that suchopenings 5613 are equidistant. In one embodiment, the distance 5615 canbe approximately 6 inches, but can be shorter or longer than this inother embodiments. In another embodiment, the distance 5615 betweenopenings 5613 can vary. Each panel 5610 a, 5610 b can optionally haveone or more openings or apertures 5622 sized to receive a fastener(e.g., screw, nail) therethrough, for example to couple the two panels5610 a, 5610 b together, as described further below.

FIGS. 64B and 66 illustrate embodiments of an elongate side panel 5650that can be coupled to the pair of panels 5610 a, 5610 b. in theillustrated embodiment, the window module 5600 has two elongate sidepanels 5650, each having a pair of tabs 5652 that can at least partiallyextend through slots 5613 a in the panels 5610 a, 5610 b. The elongateside panel 5650 can also have one or more openings or apertures 5654sized to receive conduits therethrough (e.g., for electrical wiring,etc.). In some embodiments, the apertures 5654 can align with apertures5667 in the internal support elements 5660, as further discussed below.

FIGS. 67 and 68 illustrate embodiments of a frame member 5640 and aninternal support element 5660 that can be coupled to the pair of panels5610 a, 5610 b to assemble the window module 5600. In some embodiments,a plurality of frame members 5640 and/or a plurality of internal supportelements 5660 can couple the panels 5610 a, 5610 b.

The frame member 5640 can have a length 5648 that generally coincideswith a length of the generally horizontal and vertical edges 5618, 5620.In one embodiment, the frame member 5640 can have a length ofapproximately 2 feet, a width of approximately 5 inches and a thicknessof approximately ¼ inch. However, in other embodiments, the frame member5640 can have other dimensions. The frame member 5640 can have one ormore openings 5643 (e.g., slot openings, slits). In one embodiment, theopenings 5643 are spaced apart by approximately the same amount as thedistance 5615 between the openings 5613 in the panels 5610 a, 5610 b.The frame member 5640 can also have one or more protrusions or tabs 5641a on side edges thereof. A tab 5641 b can be defined on one end and arecessed edge portion 5645 can be defined on an opposite end of theframe member 5640.

The internal support element 5660 can have one or more protrusions ortabs 5661 on side edges thereof, a protrusion or tab 5663 on an endthereof, and a straight edge 5665 on an opposite end of the internalsupport element 5660. An opening 5667 can extend through the body of theinternal support element 5660. In one embodiment, the internal supportmember 5660 can have a height of approximately 7 inches, a width ofapproximately 5 inches and a thickness of approximately ¼ inch. However,the internal support member 5660 can have other dimensions. In oneembodiment, the opening 5667 can be a circular opening with a diameterof approximately 1⅜ inches. However, the opening 5667 can have othersuitable shapes and sizes.

In use, the panels 5610 a can be positioned on a support surface (e.g.,floor, table, etc.). One or more internal support elements 5660 can becoupled to the panel 5610 a, by inserting one of the side tabs 5661 in acorresponding opening 5613 in the panel 5610 a and such that thestraight edge 5665 of the internal support element 5660 is aligned withan outer perimeter edge of the panel 5610 a, and so that the tab 5663 ofthe internal support element 5660 is aligned with an inner perimeteredge of the panel 5610 a. Similarly, internal support elements 5660 canbe coupled to the panel 5610 a by inserting side tabs 5661 in theopenings 5613 along the bottom and top edges of the panel 5610 a. Thesecond panel 5610 b can be placed over the panel 5610 a, so that theinternal support elements 5660 are interposed between the panels 5610 a,5610 b and so that the side tabs 5661 on an opposite side of theinternal support elements 5660 couple with the openings 5613 in thesecond panel 5610 b. The openings 5667 of the internal support elements5660 (e.g., once installed on the bottom and/or top sides of the panels5610 a, 5610 b) are advantageously aligned and receive and support aconduit that is inserted through the openings 5667 (e.g., conduitcarrying electrical cables, water line, etc.).

One or more connector members 5306 (see FIGS. 62-63) can be disposedbetween the panels 5610 a, 5610 b and coupled thereto (e.g., byinserting fasteners, such as screws, through the openings 5622 to couplethe connector members 5306 to the panels 5610 a, 5610 b). As disclosedin other embodiments of this disclosure, the one or more connectormembers 5306 can be coupled to the top portion of the panels 5610 a,5610 b such that at least a portion of the one or more connector members5306 (e.g., the frustum portion of each connector member 5306) protrudespast the outer perimeter edge of the top of the window module 5600.Additionally, the one or more connector members 5306 can be coupled tothe bottom portion of the panels 5610 a, 5610 b such that a bottom endof the connector members 5306 generally aligns with the outer perimeteredge of the bottom of the window module 5600. The connector members 5306on the top and bottom of the assembled window module 5600 canadvantageously allow the window module 5600 to be coupled to other wallmodules, such as wall module 5300, in the manner described above.

The one or more frame members 5640 can be positioned between the panels5610 a, 5610 b along the inner perimeter of the window module 5600. Theopenings 5643 of the frame member 5640 can couple to end tabs 5663 ofthe internal connector elements 5660. The side tabs 5641 a of the framemember 5640 can couple to the recessed edge portions 5616 on thegenerally horizontal and vertical edges 5618, 5620 of the panels 5610 a,5610 b. The frame members 5640 are also advantageously arranged in theinner perimeter of the panels 5610 a, 5610 b so that they interconnectwith each other. In one embodiment, the end tab 5641 b of one framemember 5640 (e.g., on a bottom edge of the window module 5600) canextend into the recessed edge portion 5645 of an adjacent frame member5640 (e.g., on a vertical side edge of the window module 5600).Accordingly, the frame members 5640 once installed in the assembledwindow module 5600 define an inner window frame that can advantageouslyreceive and support a preassembled window, thereby facilitating theprocess of assembling a window for use in a modular wall made of aplurality of wall modules, such as the wall modules 5300.Advantageously, the inner perimeter 5614 edges and frame members 5640define substantially perpendicular angles to provide a substantiallytrue shape that allows for easy installation and removal of thepreassembled window from the window module 5600.

FIGS. 69-70 show one embodiment of a modular wall 5800 constructed of aplurality of wall modules as described herein, such as wall modules 5300described above. The wall modules 5300 can be coupled at least in partvia the connector members 5306, as discussed above. In the illustratedembodiment, the wall modules 5300 are coupled to define an opening 5820having a depth 5805, a height 5810 and width 5815. In one embodiment,the height 5810 can optionally be about 80 inches. In one embodiment,the width 5815 can optionally be about 6 feet. In one embodiment, thedepth 5805 can optionally be about 5 inches. However, the depth 5805,height 5810 and/or width 5815 of the opening 5820 can have othersuitable values. The opening 5820 can advantageously receive and supporta preassembled door frame and/or door, thereby facilitating the processof assembling a door for use in the modular wall 5800 made of aplurality of wall modules, such as the wall modules 5300.Advantageously, an inner perimeter 5830 of the opening 5820 and edges5840, 5850 define substantially perpendicular angles to provide asubstantially true shape for the opening 5820 that allows for easyinstallation and removal of the preassembled door from the opening 5820.

FIGS. 71-74 show one embodiment of a connector 5900 that can optionallybe used to interconnect wall modules described herein, such as the wallmodules 5300 described above. In the illustrated embodiment, theconnector 5900 can be shaped like a clip (e.g., a butterfly clip).

The connector 5900 can have a first plate member (or wing) 5910 and asecond plat member (or wing) 5920 that are interconnected by a base5930. The plate members 5910, 5920 can be spaced apart from each otherto define a channel 5940 therebetween. Optionally, one or both of theplate members 5910, 5920 can have one or more bumps or protrusions 5950that extend into the channel 5940 from a surface of the plate members5910, 5920. The plate members 5910, 5920 can optionally extend at anangle 5960 relative to each other. In one embodiment, the angle 5960 canbe approximately 85 degrees. However, in other embodiments the platemembers 5910, 5920 can extend at other suitable angles relative to eachother that are larger or smaller than the value provided above. In stillanother embodiment, the plate members 5910, 5920 can be substantiallyparallel to each other.

In one embodiment, the connector 5900 can be made out of a resilientmaterial that allows at least a portion of the connector 5900 to flex(e.g., when connecting wall modules, as described below). In someembodiments, the connector 5900 can be made of a plastic material.However, the connector 5900 can be made of other suitable materials. Insome embodiments, the connector 5900 can have a length 5946 of about 3¾inches, a width 5944 at its base of about ½ inches and a width 5942 atits open end of about 7/10 inches. However, the connector 5900 can haveother suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, where the plate members5910, 5920 are substantially parallel to each other, the width 5944 atthe base and the width 5942 at the open end of the connector 5900 can besubstantially the same.

In use, wall modules described herein, such as the wall modules 5300described above, can be coupled to define a larger structure, such as awall. The connector 5900 allows for the coupling of adjacentside-by-side wall modules. In one embodiment, when two wall modules 5300(see FIGS. 55-61) are side-by-side, the side edge 5305 of the supportmember (or base) 5302 of the connector members 5306 can be adjacent eachother. The connector 5900 can be inserted over the adjacent side edges5305 so that the side edges 5305 extend into the channel 5940.Optionally, the side edges 5305 can contact the one or more bumpers5950, which can inhibit the disengagement of the connector 5900 from theside edges 5305. Optionally, the connector 5900 can be sized so that itresiliently flexes when the channel 5940 receives the adjacent sideedges 5305 to securely couple the connector 5900 to the adjacent sideedges 5305 and inhibit the disengagement of the connector 5900.Advantageously, the connector 5900 is low profile and extends into theconnector members 5306 when coupled to the adjacent edges 5305 toinhibit protruding from the bottom of the wall modules 5300 in a waythat would interfere with the stacking engagement of wall modules.

FIGS. 75, 77 show one embodiment of an extension member 6000 that can becoupled to a wall module as described herein, such as the wall module5300 described above, to allow the wall module to span a vertical orlateral distance greater than provided by the panels 5310 a, 5310 b ofthe wall module 5300.

The extension member 6000 can have a head 6010 attached to a screw 6020,which can be threadably coupled to an insert 6030. The insert 6030 canhave a pair of tabs or feet 6034 that extend laterally from a body ofthe insert 6030 in a direction generally perpendicular to an axis of thescrew 6020. The distance between the head 6010 and the insert 6030 canbe adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the insert 6030 along the screw6020.

FIG. 77 shows a plurality of extension members 6000 attached toextension panels 6050. One extension panel 6050 can be coupled to abottom of the wall module 5300 to optionally adjust a height of the wallmodule 5300 and another extension panel 6050 can be coupled to a side ofthe wall module 5300 to optionally adjust a width of the wall module5300. The head 6010 of the extension members 6000 can couple to theextension panels 6050 in any suitable manner (e.g., adhesive, screws,etc.). The distance between the insert 6030 and the extension panels6050 can be adjusted to provide the desired extension amount and thenthe inserts 6030 can be coupled to the wall module 5300. For example, inthe extension panel 6050 that couples to the bottom of the wall module5300, the screws 6020 can extend through the passageway or opening 5307in connector members 5306 (see FIG. 55), and the tabs or feet 6034 ofthe inserts 6030 can be attached to a surface of the connector member5306 (e.g., with fasteners, such as screws or nails). In the extensionpanel 6050 that couples to the side of the wall module 5300, the screws6020 can extend through openings in interconnecting frame or rib membersdisposed between the panels 5310 a, 5310 b of the wall module 5300, andthe tabs or feet 6034 of the inserts 6030 can be attached to a surfaceof the interconnecting frame or rib members (e.g., with fasteners, suchas screws or nails).

The extension members 6000 advantageously allow for the height and/orwidth of a wall module, such as the wall module 5300, to be adjusted sothat a modular wall constructed out of multiple wall modules 5300 canfit a room with a ceiling height or room width that is greater than thewall height or width that can be achieved with just coupling the wallmodules 5300 together.

FIG. 76 shows another embodiment of an extension member 6100. Theextension member 6100 can have an elongate tube 6110, a sleeve member6120 that extends over the elongate tube 6110 so that the elongate tube6110 can telescopingly engage the sleeve member 6120. A pin 6130 can beinserted through a hole or aperture (not shown) in the sleeve 6120 thatis aligned with a hole or aperture not shown) in the elongate tube 6110to couple the sleeve member 6120 to the elongate tube 6110 in a fixedposition. The elongate tube 6110 can have a plurality of such holes orapertures along its length (e.g., equidistantly spaced apart holes), sothat the elongate tube 6110 can fixedly couple to the sleeve 6120 as aplurality of locations that allow the distance that the elongate tube6110 extends out of the sleeve 6120 to be varied.

The sleeve can have a flange 6125 that can facilitate the coupling ofthe extension member 6100 to a wall module, such as the wall module6300. For example, the flange 6125 can be coupled (e.g., with one ormore fasteners, such as screws, nails, etc.) to interconnecting frame orrib members disposed between the panels 5310 a, 5310 b of the wallmodule 5300, and one end 6112 of the elongate tube 6110 extendingthrough an opening in the frame or rib members. The opposite end 6114 ofthe elongate tube 6110 can bear against a wall or extend through anotherwall module 5300. Optionally, the opposite end 6114 of the elongate tube6110 can attach to an extension panel, similar to the extension panel6050, that can bear against a wall or wall module 5300. In oneembodiment, the extension member 6100 can be coupled to a wall module5300 to increase a height and/or width of the wall module 5300, similarto the manner shown in FIG. 82.

FIGS. 78-80 show a perspective view, top planar view and side view,respectively, of a connector 6200 that can be used to interconnect twowall modules, such as wall modules 5300 described above. The connector6200 can be a cleat 6200 that can interconnect wall modules, such as thewall modules 5300. The cleat 6200 can have a stepped shape with a firstplanar portion 6210 and a second planar portion 6220 vertically offsetrelative to the first planar portion 6210. The cleat 6200 can also haveone more apertures or openings 6230 that can receive one or morefasteners therethrough. The cleat 6200 can be made of metal or othersuitable material (e.g., plastic).

FIGS. 81-82 show two wall modules 5300A, 5300B interconnected at 90degrees. As shown in FIG. 82, the cleat 6200 can be fastened to a panel5310 a of the wall module 5300A so that the second planar portion 6220is offset from the panel 5310 a so as to define a gap between the secondplanar portion 6220 and the panel 5310 a. The wall module 5300B can becoupled to the wall module 5300A by inserting the second planar portion6220 of the cleat 6200 under the end edge of the connector members 5306,such that the edge of the connector 5306 is in the gap between thesecond planar portion 6220 and the panel 5310 a in order to fix the wallmodules 5300A, 5300B together.

FIGS. 83-85 show one embodiment of a leveling assembly 6300 for wallmodules, such as the wall modules 5300, to allow the wall modules to sitlevel on an uneven surface (e.g., on an uneven floor). The levelingassembly 6300 can include one or more leveling plates 6310. In theillustrated embodiment, two leveling plates 6310 a, 6310 b are shown.The leveling plate 6310 can have a planar base 6312 with openings 6314at opposite ends of the planar base 6312. One or more apertures 6316 canbe formed on the planar base 6312 to allow the leveling plates 6310 a,6310 b to be coupled to a support surface (e.g., ground, floor).

The leveling plate 6310 a, 6310 b can have a raised wall 6330 thatdefines a cavity 6332 therein and one or more openings 6334 on theraised wall 6330. The cavity 6332 is sized to receive an expandablemember 6350. In one embodiment, the expandable member 6350 can be apneumatic bladder. In another embodiment, the expandable member 6350 canbe a hydraulic bladder. The expandable member or bladder 6350 has aconnector 6352 that can be received in the opening 6334 of the raisedwall 6330. The connector 6352 can allow the expandable member or bladder6350 to be expanded. In one embodiment, a pump (e.g., manually operatedpump, motor operated pump) can be connected to the connector 6352 toinflate the expandable member or bladder 6350. In the illustratedembodiment, there are two leveling plates 6310 a, 6310 b side by sideand one expandable member 6350 in one of the cavities 6332 of the twoleveling plates 6310 a, 6310 b. However, in other embodiments, there canbe an expandable member 6350 in each of the cavities 6332 of theleveling plates 6310 a, 6310 b, and each of the expandable members 6350can be independently expanded (e.g., inflated) as needed to account foran uneven support surface (e.g., floor) on which the wall module(s)sits.

The leveling plates 6310 a, 6310 b can be interconnected by a lockingmember 6340 that can extend into the openings 6314 of adjacent levelingplates 6310 a, 6310 b. The leveling plates 6310 a, 6310 b are sized tofit under the connector block 5306, as best shown in FIG. 90. Theleveling assembly 6300 advantageously allows the leveling plates 6310 a,6310 b to move relative to the connector block 5306 via the expandablemember or bladder 6350 that contacts the base of the leveling plate 6310a, 6310 b and the bottom of the connector block 5306, thereby allowingthe leveling mechanism 6300 to account for an uneven floor structure onwhich the wall module sits so that the wall module sits level on thefloor.

FIG. 86 shows a bottom of a wall module 5300 on which the levelingmechanism 6300 has been installed under the connector block 5306 andbetween the panels 5310 a, 5310 b of the wall module 5300. In theillustrated embodiment, the leveling mechanism 6300 includes twoleveling plate 6310 a, 6310 b interconnected by the locking member 6340.In use, the one or more expandable members 6350 can be expanded (e.g.,inflated), so that the wall module 5300 that sits upon the levelingassembly 6300 can be lifted (e.g., jacked up) off the support surface(e.g., uneven floor). Advantageously, the wall module 5300 can be lifted(via actuation of the leveling assembly 6300) so that the top of thewall module 5300 is substantially flush with another wall module 5300above it (e.g., that together define at least a portion of a modularwall), thereby providing a generally continuous face for the wall (e.g.without any gaps between connected wall modules 5300).

FIG. 87 shows one embodiment of a hinge member 6400 for use with a wallmodule, such as the wall modules 5300 described above. The hinge member6400 has a body 6410 with a long side edge 6412, a short side edge 6414on an opposite side of the long side edge 6412 and an angled side edge6416 that connects the long and short side edges 6412, 6414. A firstslot 6418 a and a second slot 6418 b can extend through a thickness ofthe body 6410, the slots 6418 a, 6418 b sized to receive one or morefasteners (e.g., bolts) therethrough. The hinge member 6400 can have oneor more coupling protrusions 6422 that extend or protrude from a basesurface 6420 of the hinge member 6400, where the base surface 6420 is onan opposite side of the hinge member 6400 from the angled side edge6416. The base surface 6420 can have a length 6424.

FIG. 88 shows one embodiment of a shim member 6430. The shim member 6430can have one or more coupling protrusions 6434 that extend or protrudedfrom a base surface 6432 on both sides of the shim member 6430. The shimmember 6430 can have a length 6436.

FIG. 89 shows one embodiment of a collar member 6440. The collar member6440 can have a body 6442 with an inner peripheral wall 6443 thatdefines an opening 6444 that extends through the collar member 6440. Thecollar member 6440 can have a pair of opposite side surfaces 6448 a intowhich one or more recesses 6446 extend and a pair of opposite endsurfaces 6450.

FIG. 90 shows on embodiment of a connector block 5306, as describedabove, to which a pair of collars 6440 has been coupled. The hingemember 6400 is coupled to one of the collars 6440 (e.g., the couplingprotrusions 6422 of the hinge member 6400 extend into the recesses 6446of the collar member 6440) and a shim member 6430 is coupled to theother collar 6440 (e.g., the coupling protrusions 6434 of the shimmember 6430 extend into the recesses 6446 of the other collar member6440). The shim member 6430 advantageously allows the connector block5306 (e.g., when incorporated as part of a wall module 5300, asdescribed above) to be coupled to an adjacent connector block 5306(e.g., incorporated as part of an adjacent wall module 5300), therebyallowing the coupling of adjacent wall modules. The hinge member 6400advantageously allows the connector block 5306 (e.g., when incorporatedas part of a wall module 5300, as described above) to be coupled to anadjacent connector block 5306 with a similar hinge member 6400 (e.g.,incorporated as part of an adjacent wall module 5300) to allow theadjacent wall modules to pivot or extend at an angle via the hingemembers 6400. As discussed above, fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts) canextend through the slots 6418 a, 6418 b of the hinge members 6400 tocouple them together.

FIG. 91 shows three wall modules 5300, where two wall modules 5300 (seemiddle and right wall module 5300 in FIG. 91) are coupled at an anglevia their hinge members 6400, as described above. The third wall module5300 is shown coupled to another wall module 5300 (see left wall moduleand middle wall module in FIG. 91) along are coupled together via a shimmember 6430 and a pair of collars 6440 on both wall modules 5300, asdescribed above, so that they extend along the same plane.

There is disclosed in the above description and the drawings, animproved system and method for constructing a stage which overcomes thedisadvantages associated with the prior art. However, it will beapparent that variations and modifications of the disclosed embodimentscan be made without departing from the principles of the presentdisclosure. The presentation of the preferred embodiments herein isoffered by way of example only and not limitation, with a true scope andspirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, the wall modules canbe configured to support and include water and gas conduit(s), pipingand/or fixtures to enable the passage of fluids and/or gases through thewall modules. Such conduit or fixtures can be configured, for example,to supply gas or fluids to sinks, showers, bathtubs, faucets, fountains,any water features, fireplaces or other flame sources, or anycombination of the foregoing, that can also be positioned on, in, orotherwise supported by the wall modules. For example, the conduit can beconfigured to removably pass through openings or channels in the wallmodules, or can be integrated directly into the wall modules and havesealable connections (e.g., quick release connections) between the wallmodules so that the conduit can be quickly interconnected when the wallmodules are interconnected.

Additionally, any embodiments disclosed herein can also supportelectrical conduit, lighting, or other electrical fixtures. As with theplumbing or gas conduit, the wall modules can have electricalconnections at the interfaces of the wall modules for quick connection.Or, in addition or instead, the wall modules can be configured such thatthe electrical conduit can be passed through openings, passages, orthrough or over other features positioned about the wall modules topermit the electrical conduit to be quickly and easily advanced throughthe wall modules. Lights and other electrical features can be positionedabout the wall modules in any desired positions. Spuds or other metalfasteners can be positioned about the wall modules for supportinglights, electrical conduit or other similar components. Optionally, thewall modules can have one or more stubs on an upper surface (or othersurface) therefor to support lights. For example, the lights may beequipped with clamps or the like which may be clamped on to or otherwiseremovably attached to the stubs. The lights may include a cylindricalmount or other mount that mates with a stub having a receiving/matingconfiguration (e.g., a cylindrical opening configured to receive thecylindrical mount). The lights can be used for decoration purposes orcan be used to illuminate the wall modules and/or a space defined by thewall modules. For example, the lights may be used to illuminate actorsand/or props positioned in a set defined in whole or in part by one ormore wall modules.

Although the various embodiments were disclosed herein as being fullsize or scale, any embodiments disclosed herein can be made or formed atany desired height or size. For example and without limitation, scaledmodels or toy versions of any of the embodiments disclosed herein can bemade having any combination of the features disclosed herein. Suchscaled models can be useful for mockups, demonstrations, or simply astoys. The scaled models can be from approximately 1/10th size, orapproximately 1/12th sized scaled models, and can be made from anysuitable materials such as plastic, wood, metal, or any combination ofthe foregoing. Although the foregoing discussion may, for purposes ofillustration, discuss various embodiments in the context of stages orsets, the use of such embodiments are not so limited. For example,certain embodiments may be utilized as temporary structures, emergencystructures, tradeshow structures, etc.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example describedherein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed inthis specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract anddrawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed, can be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Theprotection is not restricted to the details of any foregoingembodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems describedherein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein can be made. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in theprocesses illustrated and/or disclosed can differ from those shown inthe figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps describedabove can be removed, others can be added. Furthermore, the features andattributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above can be combinedin different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in thesystems and methods described herein may be made without departing fromthe spirit of the disclosure. For example, one portion of one of theembodiments described herein can be substituted for another portion inanother embodiment described herein. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as wouldfall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, thescope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to theappended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

Although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments, examplesand applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatthe present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof, including embodiments which donot provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein.Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to belimited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, andmay be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in thefuture.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wall module assembly, comprising: a pluralityof wall modules removably coupleable to each other to define a wall,each wall module comprising a pair of monolithic panels, each of thepanels comprising an outer perimeter edge defined by a pair ofsubstantially parallel side edges and a pair of substantially paralleltop and bottom edges, and a plurality of slot openings configured toextend at least partially through the panels, a first plurality ofconnection members interposed between and coupled to a top end of thepair of monolithic panels such that a top portion of the first pluralityof connection members protrudes past the top end of the pair ofmonolithic panels, and a second plurality of connection membersinterposed between and coupled to a bottom end of the pair of monolithicpanels such that a base of the second plurality of connection members isgenerally aligned with bottom edges of the pair of monolithic panels,wherein the second plurality of connection members are hollow and definean opening configured to removably receive the first plurality ofconnection members of another wall module to thereby interconnectvertically adjacent wall modules, the plurality of wall modulesremovably coupleable to each other to define a wall, at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a left side edge, and at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a right side edge and at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a top edge, where the left side edge,right side edge and top edge define an opening configured to receive andsupport a preassembled door therein.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of internal support members configured to beinterposed between and interconnect the pair of monolithic panels suchthat the pair of monolithic panels are spaced apart by a predetermineddistance, each of the internal support members comprising a firstprotrusion configured to at least partially extend through one of theslot openings in one of the panels and a second protrusion configured toat least partially extend through one of the slot openings in the otherof the panels.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising aconnector configured to couple two horizontally adjacent wall modules,the connector comprising a pair of plate members spaced apart from eachother to define a channel therebetween, the connector configured to beinserted over adjacent edges of the adjacent wall modules so that saidadjacent edges extend into the channel of the connector.
 4. The assemblyof claim 3, wherein the pair of plate members have one or moreprotrusions configured to engage the adjacent edges to inhibitdisengagement of the connector from the adjacent edges.
 5. The assemblyof claim 3, wherein the pair of plate members extend at a non-parallelangle relative to each other.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein eachof the connection members in the first and second pluralities ofconnection members has a pyramidal frustum shape.
 7. The assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more extension members coupleable toone or both of a side and a bottom of one or more of the plurality ofwall modules, a length of the one or more extension members beingadjustable to extend one or both of a width and a height of said one ormore of the plurality of wall modules.
 8. The assembly of claim 7,wherein the one or more extension members comprise a threaded screw thatthreadably couples to an insert that is configured to be fastened tosaid one or more of the plurality of wall modules, a distance of thethreaded screw between the insert and a head of the screw beingadjustable to adjust one or both of the width and the height of said oneor more of the plurality of wall modules.
 9. The assembly of claim 8,wherein the head of the one or more extension members is coupleable toan extension panel having a length substantially equal to a length ofthe side or bottom of one or more of the plurality of wall modules. 10.The assembly of claim 7, wherein the one or more extension memberscomprises an elongate tube and a sleeve member that extends over theelongate tube so that the elongate tube can telescopingly engage thesleeve member, the sleeve member configured to be fastened to one ormore of the plurality of wall modules, and a pin insertable throughaligned openings in the elongate tube and sleeve member to couple thesleeve member to the elongate tube in a fixed position, a distance ofthe elongate tube between the sleeve member and a head of the elongatetube being adjustable to adjust one or both of the width and the heightof said one or more of the plurality of wall modules.
 11. The assemblyof claim 1, further comprising a cleat coupleable to a panel of a firstwall module, the cleat configured to couple to an end of the firstplurality of connection members in a second wall module such that thesecond wall module couples at ninety degrees to the first wall module.12. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a leveling assemblydisposed between the second plurality of connection members of a basewall module and a support surface, the leveling assembly comprising oneor more expandable members selectively expandable to lift the base wallmodule relative to the support surface.
 13. The assembly of claim 1,further comprising a hinge assembly configured to couple two adjacentwall modules at an angle, the hinge assembly comprising a pair of hingemembers coupleable to end connection members of the first plurality ofconnection members in adjacent wall modules.
 14. A wall module assembly,comprising: a plurality of wall modules removably coupleable to eachother to define a wall, each wall module comprising a pair of monolithicpanels, each of the panels comprising an outer perimeter edge defined bya pair of substantially parallel side edges and a pair of substantiallyparallel top and bottom edges, and a plurality of slot openingsconfigured to extend at least partially through the panels, a firstplurality of connection members interposed between and coupled to a topend of the pair of monolithic panels such that a top portion of thefirst plurality of connection members protrudes past the top end of thepair of monolithic panels, and a second plurality of connection membersinterposed between and coupled to a bottom end of the pair of monolithicpanels such that a base of the second plurality of connection members isgenerally aligned with bottom edges of the pair of monolithic panels,wherein the second plurality of connection members are hollow and definean opening configured to removably receive the first plurality ofconnection members of another wall module to thereby interconnectvertically adjacent wall modules, the plurality of wall modulesremovably coupleable to each other to define a wall, at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a left side edge, and at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a right side edge and at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a top edge.
 15. The assembly of claim 14,further comprising a plurality of internal support members configured tobe interposed between and interconnect the pair of monolithic panelssuch that the pair of monolithic panels are spaced apart by apredetermined distance, each of the internal support members comprisinga first protrusion configured to at least partially extend through oneof the slot openings in one of the panels and a second protrusionconfigured to at least partially extend through one of the slot openingsin the other of the panels.
 16. The assembly of claim 14, furthercomprising a connector configured to couple two horizontally adjacentwall modules, the connector comprising a pair of plate members spacedapart from each other to define a channel therebetween, the connectorconfigured to be inserted over adjacent edges of the adjacent wallmodules so that said adjacent edges extend into the channel of theconnector.
 17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the connectionmembers in the first and second pluralities of connection members has apyramidal frustum shape.
 18. The assembly of claim 14, furthercomprising one or more extension members coupleable to one or both of aside and a bottom of one or more of the plurality of wall modules, alength of the one or more extension members being adjustable to extendone or both of a width and a height of said one or more of the pluralityof wall modules.
 19. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising acleat coupleable to a panel of a first wall module, the cleat configuredto couple to an end of the first plurality of connection members in asecond wall module oriented generally perpendicular to the first wallmodule such that the second wall module removably couples atapproximately ninety degrees to the first wall module.
 20. The assemblyof claim 14, further comprising a leveling assembly disposed between thesecond plurality of connection members of a base wall module and asupport surface, the leveling assembly comprising one or more expandablemembers selectively expandable to lift the base wall module relative tothe support surface.
 21. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising ahinge assembly configured to couple two adjacent wall modules at anangle, the hinge assembly comprising a pair of hinge members coupleableto end connection members of the first plurality of connection membersin adjacent wall modules.
 22. A wall module assembly, comprising: aplurality of wall modules removably coupleable to each other to define awall, each wall module comprising a pair of monolithic panels, each ofthe panels comprising an outer perimeter edge defined by a pair ofsubstantially parallel side edges and a pair of substantially paralleltop and bottom edges, and a plurality of slot openings configured toextend at least partially through the panels, a first plurality ofconnection members interposed between and coupled to a top end of thepair of monolithic panels such that a top portion of the first pluralityof connection members protrudes past the top end of the pair ofmonolithic panels, a second plurality of connection members interposedbetween and coupled to a bottom end of the pair of monolithic panelssuch that a base of the second plurality of connection members isgenerally aligned with bottom edges of the pair of monolithic panels,and means for removably coupling two or more adjacent wall modules thatare oriented horizontally to each other, oriented approximatelyperpendicular to each other or oriented at an angle relative to eachother, wherein the second plurality of connection members are hollow anddefine an opening configured to removably receive the first plurality ofconnection members of another wall module to thereby interconnectvertically adjacent wall modules, the plurality of wall modulesremovably coupleable to each other to define a wall, at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a left side edge, and at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a right side edge and at least two of thewall modules coupled to define a top edge.